Abstract

Every year, almost 10% of all injuries suffered by forestry workers involve the face or eyes. Forestry workers consider the grill-work visors typically available ineffective and uncomfortable, and tend not to use them. This project was undertaken to design a new type of plastic visor, better-suited to the workers' needs. An inventory of structural plastics and surface coatings was drawn up following an initial literature review. The best of these were then tested in the laboratory, and the most promising ones identified. The principal hazards faced by forestry workers and the main operating procedures followed were characterized through field observations and discussions with workers. Using this data, design criteria for a better-suited visor were developed. The actual design and development were sub-contracted to an industrial designer. Prototypes were produced and pre-tested during the winter of 1988-1989. A feasibility study and a preliminary cost analysis were also carried out. Final trials were conducted on two models in 1989 and 1990 (project 089-028). One of these was endorsed by the workers and is likely to be produced commercially once an agreement is reached with manufacturers and distributors.