Assessment of women workforce on afforestation activities in terms of occupational health and safety

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the existence of female workers working in forest afforestation activities and their role in these works, to investigate the health problems, and to evaluate the working conditions in terms of occupational health and safety. By making a simple job analysis, the work steps revealed, the workers were observed, and data-information was collected together with field observations by conducting face-to-face surveys and interviews with 91 female workers, consisting of 136 questions. With the help of field observations and risk checklists, movement and risk analyzes were made and evaluated. It has been determined that nearly 70% of regional employees are female employees. More than 60% of female employees suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. It has been determined that approximately 42% of them complain of various health problems that are continuous. According to the body mass index values, 50.55% were found to be overweight. The work posture required by the sapling planting job causes loads and strains that require ergonomic regulation, the qualifications of the employees, and the short-term but constantly repetitive movements support the complaints of the workers. It has been reported that approximately 8% of the participants have an accident at least once a year. It has been determined that only revealed that approximately 95% of the employees are not aware of the occupational health and safety legislation. Although physical, ergonomic and psychological risk factors are predominant, it is determined that sapling planting works can be included in the category of less dangerous and light-heavy work.

Keywords

• kadın iş gücü
• kadın orman işçileri
• ağaçlandırma işleri
• i̇ş sağlığı ve güvenliği
• risk değerlendirmesi.
• female workforce
• female forest workers
• afforestation works
• occupational health and safety
• risk evaluation