Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Health Hazards

Health Hazards

You need to be aware that there are a number of health hazards that need to be taken into consideration when operating feller bunchers. These include:

Occupational Overuse Syndrome

• Use the correct techniques when operating machines or other equipment.
• If operating a machine, adjust the seat (and controls) to suit you.
• Ensure all equipment is well maintained and working effectively.
• Use pre-work warm up and stretching techniques throughout the day to avoid  muscle cramping or stiffness.
• Perform other tasks (off the machine) that will exercise different muscle groups.

Fatigue (mental and physical)

• Build short frequent rest breaks into your day.
• Take at least two evenly spaced 30-minute rest breaks during the working day.

Dehydration or heat exhaustion

• Regularly drink fluids so that you do not feel thirsty during the day.
• Do not drink fluids, such as soft drinks and cordials, which have more than 8% carbohydrate content.
• Drink high carbohydrate drinks after work to replace energy levels.
• Drink plenty of water at night to recharge the body.
• Ensure that the air conditioning unit works effectively.

Lack of sleep, tiredness

• Ensure that you have at least 7 hours’ continuous sleep every day.
• Use power-naps (short sleeps of 20-30 minutes sifts).  

Early starts

• When you first begin early starts, your body needs time to adjust to changes in sleep patterns. You may be tired until your body adjusts.
• Learn to go to bed earlier to replace the sleep you lose in the morning.
• Allow time for your body to adjust once you go back to late starts.

Poor hygiene/infection

• Clean and dress any cuts or scratches received on the job as soon as possible; and keep them covered.
• Make sure the First Aid kit is kept fully stocked.
• Eat a balanced diet to keep your body healthy.

Alcohol abuse

• Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before carrying out machine operations or any hard physical work.

Vibration from machine

• Avoid sudden impact or jarring while operating a machine.
• Reduce the time your back is exposed to vibration by getting out of the machine at least once every hour.
• Make sure the seat and controls are adjusted correctly.
• Do exercises while seated to even out pressure on your spinal discs.
• Keep a good posture.
• Keep physically fit.

Drugs

• Avoid all non-prescription drugs they can seriously affect both your mental and physical ability to work.
• Inform your employer if you are on any medication that may affect your work. Stay home if necessary.
• If you are on long term medication, inform employer and crew of your condition in case you are involved in an emergency at work.

Noise

• Use hearing protection if noise level is above 85dB.
• Reduce noise exposure while in a machine by keeping doors and windows shut while working.
• Ensure the exhaust system is in good working condition.
• When operating the feller buncher, faulty exhaust systems may exceed the recommended level for an eight hour work period. 

Refer to Hazard and Risk Management Process for some examples of noise levels we are exposed to in day to day activities.