Author : Sulejman Meta Muhamet Imeri and Nderim Zeqiri

Injuries caused by mobile firewood cutting and splitting machines can be extremely serious leaving consequences for workers; they can lead to permanent disability and even fatal consequences. In order to point out the frequency and characteristics of injuries during work, in the first part of this paper, we give an overview of the types of mobile machines for cutting and splitting firewood in Macedonia, their characteristics as well as the risks that most often lead to problems and injuries caused by working with these machines. The dangers arise when transporting the named machinery to the place where the works are being carried out. In the second part of the paper, the most frequent injuries at work, their frequency, and the number studied in the three largest cities in the west of Macedonia are reported. The data on the types of injuries as well as their number refer to the period from 2006 to 2011. The results of the research indicate a permanent increase in the number and frequency of injuries that require the need for changes in several sectors of work. In order to change the current situation, certain measures and recommendations for improvement are given in the concluding remarks on using and handling the machines as well as the organization of this type of work in general.

Keywords: Injuries at work, mobile machines, woodcutting and splitting

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.7, No.6 (Nov/Dec 2017)