Work in Tropical Forests

This book presents a synopsis, with an innovative approach, of abundance, types and conditions of work performed in the tropical plantation and natural forests. It covers work of formally and informally employed, and of own-account small-scale forest users, women and children. Activities in tree harvesting are analyzed, also on-site conversion by pitsawing, planting and pruning.

The abilities of the workers and their efforts while fulfilling their tasks, resulting in performance and workload, are described with many examples of published studies. Influencing variables from organizational, technical and managerial sides are considered as much as included in the studies.

The detailed descriptions demonstrate the methodical state of ergonomic research. For better understanding of the coverage the background of the development of forest work science is described. The lasting influence of Taylorism and the roles of ILO and FAO as well as NGOs, e.g. in certification, are pointed out.

Siegfried Lewark is professor of forest work science at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His teaching, research and consulting in work organization and forest technology and operations was focused on ergonomic and social aspects. He supervised numerous theses, e.g. by Master students and PhD researchers from tropical Africa. Main topics were working conditions, safety and health, related to performance, on all levels of forestry and wood industry, as well as gender studies, competence development, education and e-learning. The book is based on the broad international experience of the author in countries such as Indonesia and China, over many years, and his activities in scientific networks on international level.