Ergonomic risk assessment of an agricultural machine operator in the grinding of crop residues

Authors

• Miguel Chaiben Neto Universidade Federal de Santa Maria http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-3846
• Jhosefe Bruning
• Silvana Antunes Rodrigues
• Bruna Dalcin Pimenta
• Airton dos Santos Alonço
• Tiago Rodrigo Francetto
• Tiago Gonçalves Lopes

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/tecnolog.v24i2.13783

Keywords:

Trator agrícola, RULA, REBA, OWAS, QEC

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of an agricultural machine operator regarding his position in the workplace and his exposure to noise levels in an operation to grind crop residues of corn, besides suggesting possible changes to improve the operator's working conditions. The study was carried out in the municipality of Santa Maria -RS, Brazil. The work station of an agricultural tractor operator was evaluated during the grinding activity of corn crop residues, for which a 75hp tractor and a flail mower of 12 hammers were used. The operation was recorded in photos and videos, which were evaluated according to the methods OWAS, REBA, RULA and QEC, by using software Ergolândia 7.0. In addition, noise levels were measured using a decibel meter. The measured data showed a noise level of 97.1dB, which is higher than the value established by the NR 15. Through the analysis of the methods it was verified the need to perform ergonomic interventions so that the activity may be carried out in a way not to cause health risks to the operator.