Operator management - Checking on the health and performance of your operator

Make use of this operator health and performance tool to improve your logging productivity.

The European Network of Forest Entrepreneurs (ENFE) has compiled a comprehensive monitoring tool to improve the health and performance of logging machine operators. COMFOR was the name given to the project that developed these tools. It has concentrated on the development of ergonomic tools for contractors.

The health and performance tool aims to monitor and manage the operator’s health situation and their levels of performance. A set of instructions clearly explains the process that is to be followed. The tool consists of four parts:
 

1. An operator questionnaire – One questionnaire is filled out per operator at least four times per year. A total of 11 questions are asked, which enquire about health issues and their possible effects on the operator’s performance. Each operators completed questionnaire is then captured into a spreadsheet that makes provision for multiple operators.
2. A contractor logbook – The contractor keeps a simple logbook regarding sickness days. The logbook makes provision for operators of different types of machines, and considers not only the lost days, but replacement operator costs and the reduced performance percentage of operators who work while still being sick.
3. Result presentations – The results from the operator questionnaire and contractor logbook are automatically computed and presented in a new sheet. Company strengths are identified by cells highlighted green, and weaknesses by red and dark yellow cells. Once this data has been analysed, documented measures can be put in place. A tool is also provided for this.
4. Input data for tool 2 (Cost Benefit tool) – Once all the above has been completed, there is sufficient data to use for the Cost Benefit analysis tool. This tool consists of a separate spreadsheet where it is possible to calculate operator management scenarios.

Valuable ergonomics checklists are also supplied, which consider access to the cab and maintenance, the cab environment, the cab interior, and the operator’s seat. Source: http://www.enfe.net/comforopen/UK/Page-2.1-UK-and-Irl.htm