Abstract The highly biodiverse Atlantic Forest has been heavily exploited and its remnant areas, which are mostly composed of secondary forests, cover less than 20% of its original extension. This study analyzed the structure, aboveground biomass (AGB) and species diversity of a secondary evergreen rainforest in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Individuals with diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm on 22 sample plots were measured, totalizing 3.49 hectares of sampled area. A mean AGB of 201.6 Mg ha-1 (standard deviation = 35.5) was found; Hyeronima alchorneoides and Miconia cinnamomifolia represented 29.1% and 7.6% of the community AGB ha-1, respectively. A total of 153 species distributed in 107 genera and 55 families was observed; it was estimated that 121 species (95% confidence interval: [117, 125]) occurred in one hectare. These results highlight the importance of secondary forests for biodiversity restoration/conservation and carbon sequestration.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the postural discomfort and health risks of workers in manual forest plantation operations of a company located in the region of Campos Gerais, Paraná State. Data was collected through interviews, using the postural diagram proposed by Corlett, in a sample of 226 workers from manual planting, fertilization and herbicide application operations. The results indicated that manual planting operations caused greater postural discomfort in the legs of 56% of workers, while the fertilization and herbicide application caused discomfort in the shoulders of 41% and 56% of workers, respectively. The perception of postural discomfort during work is important to assist managers in adopting ergonomic measures for improving the safety and health of workers.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to show the application of anthropometric measurements in dimensioning an earth auger used in forest plantations, aiming to offer greater comfort, safety and health for workers. Based on anthropometric measures of a sample of 250 workers who worked on a forest implantation, seven measures in the 5, 50 and 95% percentiles obtained according to the German Standard DIN 33402/81 and related to the handling of the equipment were selected. Anthropometric standards of the workers were determined with minimum and maximum limits for the variables. Regression analyses were performed to verify the correlation between some anthropometric variables. The results show that the earth auger presented irregularities in terms of height and diameter of the handle; the measurements should range from 94 to 111 cm and 2.5 to 5.0 cm, respectively, enabling it to suit 90% of the worker population. The height showed a correlation of 68% with elbow height, and 67% with the hand center with arm hanging height.

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os fatores humanos e as condições de trabalho em atividades de implantação e manutenção florestal visando subdiar a melhoria das condições de conforto, segurança e saúde dos trabalhadores. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresa florestal da Região dos Campos Gerais, estado do Paraná. A caracterização dos fatores humanos e das condições de trabalho foi realizada por meio de questionários aplicados na forma de entrevistas com 72 trabalhadores que atuavam em atividades silviculturais. De acordo com os resultados, a idade média dos trabalhadores foi de 34,9 anos, sendo a maioria de origem rural, casados, com baixo nível de escolaridade e com pouco tempo de experiência na empresa e na função, representados por 14,9 e 12,5 meses, respectivamente. Na opinião da maioria dos trabalhadores, os óculos de proteção utilizados na aplicação de herbicidas foram apontados como maiores causadores de desconforto no trabalho.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the human factors and working conditions in forestry maintenance and planting operations in order to improve comfort, safety and health conditions of workers. The study was conducted in a forest company located in the region of Campos Gerais, Parana State. The characterization of human factors and work conditions was conducted by interviews with 72 workers of syilviculture activities. The results indicated that the workers’ average age was 34.9 years, most of them from rural origin, married, with low level of education, and short time experience in the company and the function, 14.9 and 12.5 months, respectively. In the opinion of most of the workers, the protection glasses used in the herbicide application activity were identified as a cause of discomfort at work.