Research results - A review of shift scheduling in mechanised harvesting operations

A literature review and expert consultation were carried out to identify best practices for shift scheduling.

The title of the research was “Shift Scheduling in Mechanised Harvesting Operations in South Africa”. The article featured as an ICFR (Institute for Commercial Forestry Research) Bulletin (05/2011), and was produced by Stellenbosch University and Forest Engineering Southern Africa (FESA). The authors were Ria Steyn, Simon Ackerman and Pierre Ackerman. The study had the following objectives:
 

• Carrying out a literature review of shift work in mechanised harvesting operations, both at the international and national levels.
• Complete electronic and telephonic surveys that included trends in shift work, shift work strategies, and the effects of different shift systems on productivity and costs.
• Provide examples of recommended shift systems making use of case studies.
• Provide a concise checklist for machine owners carrying out or considering shift work. This checklist considers the operator, the legal aspects, the specific machine and the work place.
   

The contents of the report considered models of adaptation to shift work, existing shift systems, shift work and safety, causal factors of unsafe work behaviour, equipment considerations for extended work hours, recommendations for shift scheduling and a shift decision checklist.

As per FESA policy, all FESA publications are free-to-download from the ICFR website. The bulletin can be accessed at http://www.icfr.ukzn.ac.za/publications/bulletins/