engleski

Forest Work Science at The End of The 20th Century - The Current State and Development Trends

The article scans the state of development of the forest work science at the end of the 20th century, examines the challenges and obstacles this science must tackle and, finally, proposes some future development trends. State of development. From a global perspective the forest work science shows significant disparity in terms of development. Of the numerous causes of this disparity the author singles out the following: forest and environment diversity in terms of terrain and climate, biological features of forest stands, the role of forests and forestry in a country’s economy, the impact of science in general and forest work science in particular in a given society, the extent to which forest work science contributes to practical use in forest work, creative capabilities of the scientists involved in research of forest operations and techniques. Challenges. A sound and intensive use of forest resources can ensure a growing benefit to society. The demand for such use is constantly rising. The prerequisites for an increased efficiency of forest work are: The development of new forest operation methods, tools and equipment. Replacing man as a source of operational energy by new technical devices. Increasing forest work productivity. Providing for the safety and health of forest workers. Increasing workers’ standard of life and, accordingly, their work motivation within forestry. Protecting the forests, the soil, and the environment from damage during forest operations. Ensuring progressive and sustainable forest management. Resistance and obstacles must be considered in future research of forest work, particularly in practical application of scientific discoveries. The most prominent causes of resistance, regardless of the discovery value, are: Conflicting interests of the users of forest resources. Eternal distrust in validity of new scientific discoveries. Unwillingness to take the risk when investing in research and/or applying research results. Development trends. No spectacular changes should be expected to mark the beginning of the new millenium. Future development of forest work science will continue in accordance with the rules and trends in this decade. To ensure future development it is necessary to: Stimulate scientific discoveries and inventions which will contribute to the advance of forest practice. Provide researchers with a fast and easy access to information by further developing international cooperation and use of modern information technology in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of research. Create specific work methods and technical devices for particular work conditions. Increase forest work science efficiency by constantly monitoring and supporting application of new scientific discoveries.

Work study; forest operations planning and control; ergonomics; forest workers

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