An evaluation of ergonomic improvements in the woodworking industry.

A survey was conducted among operators in the woodworking industry to study the effect of machine characteristics on exposure to mechanical load. The 28 subjects worked in five small factories and operated four-sided planing machines. Work postures and external load were analysed with the Ovako working posture analysis system. Among the operators awkward postures regularly occurred, such as a bent or twisted back (25%), outstretched arms (25%) and a twisted head (28%). The average percentage of time spent with lifting and carrying wooden boards and planks was 41%. The statistical analysis indicated that beneficial effects on postural load were achieved by various ergonomic improvements, such as rising platforms and roller paths. Work time with external load was reduced by 10% as a result of the presence of rising platforms and tables. The type of analysis presented may guide towards the improvement of work conditions of operators of planing machines by reducing mechanical load on the body.