Te inf uence of ergonomic factors on the formation of occupational risk of health disorders of agricultural machine operators

Abstract

Introduction. T e leading place in the structure of occupational morbidity of agricultural machine operators is occupied by vertebroneurological diseases, the development of which can be associated with the impact of ergonomic factors of labor activity. T e aim of the study is to assess the ergonomic factors of working conditions on mobile agricultural machinery and to identify their impact on the formation of health disorders of agricultural machine operators. Materials and methods. Complex physiological and ergonomic researches at operation of tractors and combine harvesters of old samples of domestic production including an assessment of the organization of workplaces on compliance to requirements of ergonomics and anthropometric data of workers, temporary, statodynamic, biomechanical characteristics of working poses and movements, a functional condition of machine operators (130 people aged 20–45 years with professional experience of work not less than three years) in dynamics of a work shift are carried out. Anthropometric studies were conducted among male machine operators (663 people) aged 18–59 years and with experience in the profession for more than three years. Results. The discrepancy between the size and space-layout parameters of workplaces ergonomic requirements and anthropometric data of machine operators, causing the formation of uncomfortable working positions, increasing physical activity and the severity of the labor process. A high degree of correlation between changes in the parameters of the neuromuscular system and the severity of the discrepancy between the ergonomic parameters of anthropometric characteristics of machine operators (r=0,7). T e results of the research allowed to determine the priority measures for the prevention of vertebroneurological diseases in agricultural machine operators. Conclusions. T e organization of workplaces on domestic tractors and combine harvesters of old samples does not meet the ergonomic requirements and anthropometric data of machine operators, which is the reason for the formation of an uncomfortable working posture, increased statodynamic physical activity, early development of fatigue and fatigue in the process, which can cause the development of pathological conditions of the spine and ligamentous apparatus. Ergonomic improvement of workplaces is one of the priority measures to preserve the health of agricultural machine operators.