Mechanisation Developments Within the New Zealand Forest Industry: The Human Factors.
Authors
P. M. Kirk
New Zealand Logging Industry, Research Organisation, Rotorua, New Zealand
J. S. Byers
New Zealand Logging Industry, Research Organisation, Rotorua, New Zealand
R. J. Parker
New Zealand Logging Industry, Research Organisation, Rotorua, New Zealand
M. J. Sullman
New Zealand Logging Industry, Research Organisation, Rotorua, New Zealand
Abstract
The ergonomic benefits of mechanisation for the forest worker focus around the removal of the worker from the majority of the hazards and severe physical workloads inherent in the forest workplace. However, the characteristics of the current New Zealand forest industry workforce, the lack of trained operators, lack of appropriate training and selection programmes, and the high level of turnover in the New Zealand forest industry, are current obstacles to the full achievement of mechanisation's ergonomic benefits. In order for the New Zealand forest industry to maximise the economic and ergonomic benefits of mechanisation, some formal preparation of machine operators is essential.
