ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF TRACTOR VIBRATION

In Forestry, tractor operators encounter serious back disorders due to some negative effects of vibration as it is seen in other technological applications and occupations. In this study, vibration transmitted to operators from tractors used in forestry activities in Turkey and the effects of vibration on human health were evaluated. After giving the general information on vibration and its effects, ergonomic precautions that should be taken in order for operators to be able to work in healthier, safer and more productive way were presented. Tractor operators are exposed to high levels of whole body vibration. The most important component of the tractor vibration is the vertical vibration acceleration value, which has quantitatively higher values and highly sensitive to human. In vibration control, risk evaluation has to be carried out first. Operator education, the selection of appropriate vehicles and seats and work organization are the most important vibration control methods. Keywords: Forestry, Tractor, Vibration, Operator, Ergonomics