The effect of training and job interruptions on logging crews’ safety in Tanzania’s plantation forests: the case of SUA training forest, Olmotonyi, Arusha

Abstract

A study was carried out in Sokoine University of Agriculture Training Forest to assess the effect of training and job interruptions on logging crews’ safety during tree cutting using chainsaw and two-man cross cut saws. For each cutting method, experienced and inexperienced crews were studied before training, after training and after break using time study techniques for nine months at intervals of three months. Results show that crews seldom use safety gears. Inexperienced crews suffered more health risks than experienced crews. Most of occupational risks encountered by inexperienced chainsaw operators were from falling objects (mostly dead branches and pods), falling trees, walking between trees with a running chainsaw as well as walking carelessly on logs and felled trees during bucking. Experienced two-man cross cut saw operators committed fewer risks and suffered about 37% fewer injuries compared to inexperienced crew. Chainsaw operators suffered relatively more injuries compared to two-man cross cut saw operators. After training, there were significant improvements in both methods, but more so for the inexperienced crews. The level of safety consciousness decreased with increased accidents and or risks after the break for both crew categories. Inexperienced crews suffered more injuries. On resuming operations after the break, inexperienced crews seemed to adhere to safety rules more than the experienced ones. It is concluded that provision of appropriate safety gears as well as delivery of on job training are important measures for improved performance and lowering accidents and injuries to logging crews.

Key words: Tree cutting, chainsaw, twoman cross cut saw, training, safety, accidents, Tanzania.