Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and noise varies due to vehicle type, the way it is used and working conditions. The objective of this study was to measure and evaluate WBV and noise loads on the area of Slovenian high carst during five - day research. Measurements were made for five different locations, operators and forwarders (John Deere 1410D, John Deere 1210E, Timberjack 810B, Ecolog 564B and Valmet 840.3). Exposures for working time were between 65,8 dB(A) and 73,6 dB(A) for equivalent noise level, and between 101,3 dB (C) and 130,2 dB(C) for peak sound pressure. The lowest noise loads in productive time were measured by John Deere 1410D and the higest by Timberjack 810B. The exposure to the whole-body vibration varried from 0,60 m/ s2 to 1,17 m/ s2 (calculated as the RMS values), and from 16,78 m/ s1,75 to 25,80 m/ s1,75 (calculated as total vibration dose value %VDV). The lowest whole-body vibrations in productive time were measured on working site EcoLog 564B and the higest on working site Valmet 840.3. According to Slovenian national and European legislation noise loads did not exceed lower action value, while whole-body vibration exceeded action value, as well as the permissible value (Valmet 840.3) of daily exposure. The highest exposures to noise and whole-body vibration were achieved during travelling activities, especially during travel empty followed by travel loaded and machine move. The lowest exposures to noise and whole-body vibration occoured at loading and unloading cargo. Noise loads of forwarders at closed cabin compared to the tractors and skidders were lower. Operators were over loaded by whole-body vibrations, which was comparable to the tractors and skidders. According to the results exposure to noise and whole-body vibration could be reduced by job rotation, working method adapted to working conditions (the way the vehichle is driven) and technical improvements of the vehichle.
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