An Ergonomic Evaluation For Afforestation Works With The Help of Risk Analysis Method

In terms of sustainability of forest resources, areas that do not have economic and ecological added value but can form forests are afforested using the primary tree species of the region through planting. Afforestation activities carried out within the scope of a national mobilization in Türkiye have been continuing for many years and benefit from a large number of workforce. It has been determined that an ergonomic-oriented evaluation is necessary in terms of the technical and economic sustainability of these activities, which are carried out with labor-intensive physical power in difficult terrain conditions and open to various environmental effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate forest afforestation works, workers and working conditions in terms of occupational health and safety. By performing a simple job analysis, the work steps in afforestation works were revealed, the workers were observed and data and information were collected along with field observations. For this purpose, risk analyzes (5x5 matrix method) were made with the help of field observations and risk checklists. Survey and interview methods were also used to evaluate working conditions, work performed and employees. As result, it has been determined that nearly 70% of those working in afforestation works are women, that female workforce participation focuses on the sapling planting phase, that the working posture required by sapling planting causes stress and strain that requires ergonomic regulation, and that short-term but constantly repetitive movements cause workers' complaints. Although physical, ergonomic and psychological risk factors predominate, it has been determined that sapling planting works can be in the category of less hazardous and light-heavy work.