WORKING CONDITIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF LOGGING COMPANIES IN MAFUGA FOREST PLANTATION, WESTERN UGANDA

Abstract

Balimunsi HK, Kaboggoza JRS, Abeli SW, Cavalli R & Agea JG. 2011. Working conditions and
productivity of logging companies in Mafuga forest plantation, western Uganda. A study was carried out in
Mafuga forest plantation to assess the working conditions, physical workload and productivity of logging
companies. Data were collected in a clear-felled 26-year-old Pinus patula stand. Time studies were undertaken
for tree cutting and skidding in order to determine productivity. Data on physical workload were obtained
through heart rate measurement using portable electronic heart rate monitor. Data on working conditions
were obtained using ergonomic checklist and field observations. Productivity in tree cutting averaged
16.5 and 9.9 m³/hour for felling and crosscutting respectively using chainsaw. Production rate in skidding was
7.2 m³/hour. These production rates were higher compared with public logging regime where past studies
showed 9.6, 4.2 and 3.7 m³/hour for felling, crosscutting and skidding respectively. Working conditions
were inferior compared with public logging regime. Workload produced 65% heart rate increase when
chainsaw was used. This was a slight increase compared with public logging regime where physical workload
was estimated at 57% heart rate increase for chainsaw use. Therefore, the increased productivity observed
in this study was not due to improved working conditions but rather, workers were afraid of the employer.
Supervisors were more interested in making sure that output increased irrespective of how it was obtained.
Poor working conditions could be reversed by the government setting and implementing both practical rules
and provisions regarding employment regulations.