Assessment of occupational risk factors in the manual loading workplace using biomechanical assessment methods (REBA) and (PLIBEL) in poplar plantation

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student of forest engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

2 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics Faculty of Natural Resources University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Tehran Iran, Alborz, Karaj. Phone: ++98+26-32249312

3 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural resources, University of Tehran

10.22059/jfwp.2025.390050.1333

Abstract

Manual loading activity in the forestry sector often exposes workers to many biomechanical work hazards that frequently indicate a link between poor working postures and the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. These activities often require corrective actions and occupational ergonomic interventions to improve. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the work environment and manual loading activity using ergonomic risk assessment methods in order to prevent and control biomechanical stresses on workers engaged in manual loading activities and to witness improvements in the occupational health and safety of workers, reduce costs arising from it, and increase productivity and efficiency. The present study was conducted in Soumeh-e Saray County, Gilan Province, on 40 workers engaged in manual loading activities. In this study, the Body Map method, the Workplace Ergonomic Assessment (PLIBEL) method, and the Whole Body Biomechanical Assessment (REBA) method were used to identify and determine the level of occupational risk factors in the workplace and the prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in manual loading workers. The results showed that the numerical index (REBA) for manual loading activity was 11.5, which indicates a very high risk level and classification of this activity at the level of high-risk activities for exposure to occupational risk factors and occupational pathogens in the forestry sector, which has an urgent and urgent need for ergonomic corrective measures and ergonomic intervention prevention and control programs.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Forest and Wood Products

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 June 2025

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