The Use of OWAS in Forest Operations Postural Assessment: Advantages and Limitations

Abstract

It is widely accepted that forest operations are both difficult and hazardous activities. During their activity, forest workers are required to take uncomfortable postures, exposing themselves to risks of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Hence, evaluations are needed to improve their operational behaviour and ergonomics. One way to assess the work postures consists in implementing the Ovako Working posture Assessment System (OWAS) that has the advance of a rapid yet full body postural assessment. However, in forest operations, one may deal with some specific situations that should be carefully analyzed. This paper describes the advantages and limitations that the use of such a system may have, through a series of case studies, based on snapshots extracted from video files, as this particular approach may be specific to forest operations.