OPERATORS EXPOSURE TO WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION WHILE PERFORMING FOREST SOIL PREPARATION BY BULLDOZER AND HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS

The levels of exposure whole-body vibration (WBV) while performing mechanized soil preparation operations are concerning due to the time operators at their work stations, adverse terrain topography, and types wheels on machines used. Thus, this study aimed evaluate WBV in bulldozers hydraulic excavators for forest plantation order identify possible ergonomic problems propose improvements working conditions. was carried out Paraná State, Brazil, a Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis stand hybrid, being registered with use meter triaxial accelerometer coupled seat machines, resulting acceleration normalized (aren) dose (VDVR) period 8 hours, following Occupational Hygiene Standard 09. results showed aren VDVR values 1.0 m s-2 18.3 s-1.75 bulldozer, excavator it 0.7 13.5 s-1.75, respectively, statistically significant difference between by Wilcoxon test independent samples (α ≤ 0.05). were above action level below limit both bulldozer showing uncertainty level. Therefore, substituting specifically designed organization measures indicated reduce problems.