Anthropometric Analysis of Selected Body Dimensions and Comparison with the Design Approach for Forestry and Agricultural Machine Operators

Miloš Gejdoš,Miloš Hitka,Žaneta Balážová

doi:10.3390/f12081038

Abstract

The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of selected anthropometric measurements of sitting posture of the adult male population and to compare the results to the workplace of earthmoving machine operators. Research into this problem is important in several respects, particularly the design approaches taken for the current and future machines, and their impact on the health and safety of operators. The anthropometric analysis was based on dimension measurements of the adult male population gathered in the years 2002–2019. The sample consisted of 1702 subjects aged 18 to 25. Thirteen body dimensions were selected and evaluated according to the European Standard of International Organization for Standardization (EN ISO) Nr. 3411. Anthropometric analysis of individual dimensions was evaluated using descriptive statistics and frequency histograms. The results of the analysis were compared to values recommended in the EN ISO 3411 standard. Results confirmed the growing trend of specific human dimensions within the adult population. In eight of the 13 analyzed body dimensions, descriptive statistics showed above-average values in the analyzed population compared to the values given in the standard. The long-term trend commonly observed in the adult population of developed countries was also confirmed.

Highlights

The significant progress in technology has allowed the adoption of multi-operational technology in forestry and agriculture
The anthropometric analysis was based on the measurement of dimensions of adult males during the period 2002–2019
The stature height of half of the analyzed adult men ranged from 175 to 185 cm, and the body weight of more than half of the men ranged between 70 and 90 kg. These ranges were consistent with values that are slightly above the mean in comparison to the parameters of average earthmoving machine operators according to the European Standard of International Organization for Standardization (EN ISO) 3411 standard

Summary

Introduction

The significant progress in technology has allowed the adoption of multi-operational technology in forestry and agriculture. A number of operations are still performed manually due to working conditions, in particular. In cases of extreme slopes, poor access to forests, and lack of multi-operational technologies, the motor-manual method is mainly used in timber harvesting. The higher performance of timber harvesting equipment has resulted in the development of the working environment and subsequent employee comfort [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Permanent changes in human society can be observed, and technological advances and social changes are an integral part of this process [5]. A correlation can be seen between these social changes and the resulting adaptation of technological regulations [7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion