Use of smartphone IMU sensors to quantify differences among tracked and rubber-tired grapple skidders.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM MST

Location: Embassy Suites, Elderberry

Speaker(s)

Axel Wall (they/them/theirs)

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho Experimental Forest
MOSCOW, Idaho, United States

Co-Author(s)

Robert F. Keefe, PhD (he/him/his)

Director, University of Idaho Experimental Forest; Associate Professor of Forest Operations
University of Idaho
Potlatch, Idaho, United States

Gain insight into potential improvement to occupational health and safety in the logging industry through our study comparing ergonomic exposures to machine operators associated with tracked and rubber-tired grapple skidders. This session may highlight the potential of tracked skidders to reduce ergonomic exposure, improving the safety of the logging industry.

Learning Objectives:

Compare the ergonomic exposure levels between rubber-tired and tracked grapple skidders using empirical evidence.
Identify strategic improvements in heavy machinery design to reduce ergonomic risks and enhance occupational health and safety.
Apply the knowledge gained to advocate for safer equipment standards in the logging industry to protect workers from adverse health effects.