Wood-Logging Process Management in Eastern Amazonia (Brazil)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Lima, KS (Author) Other; Meira Castro, AMC (Author) Other; João Santos Baptista (Author) FEUP; Silva, U (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Sustainability

Vol. 12 No. 5

Final page: 7571

ISSN: 2071-1050

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-Q4B

DOI: 10.3390/su12187571

Abstract (EN): In this work, the wood-logging process of four federal conservation units (FCUs) in the Eastern Amazonia forest are described and compared. The approach focused on on-site observation of activities and tasks performed during the process. As an outcome, it was observed that companies implement activities similarly, regardless of their specific know-how. The most significant difference was identified in the cross-cutting operation, which is carried out in several steps and which interferes with the efficiency of the activity and the exposure of workers to occupational risks. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) during planning and management activities, and the use of modern machinery equipped with safety devices, in combination with workers' theoretic and practical continuous training, were identified as crucial measures that assure operational efficiency in the four companies assessed. Seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of the Amazon forest, a generic model for wood logging is proposed, which brings together best practices identified in the companies studied and makes it possible to obtain the best benefit at the lowest workers' exposure to the risk of occupational accidents.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18