Whole-body vibration and postural stress among operators of construction equipment:​ a literature review

Kittusamy, N. Kumar; Buchholz, Bryan

Affiliations

¹Spokane Research Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 315 E. Montgomery Ave., Spokane, WA 99207, USA

²Construction Occupational Health Project, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854, USA

Abstract

Introduction: Operators of construction equipment perform various duties at work that expose them to a variety of risk factors that may lead to health problems. A few of the health hazards among operators of construction equipment are: (a) whole-body vibration, (b) awkward postural requirements (including static sitting), (c) dust, (d) noise, (e) temperature extremes, and (f) shift work. It has been suggested that operating engineers (OEs) are exposed to two important risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders: whole-body vibration and non-neutral body postures.

Method: This review evaluates selected papers that have studied exposure to whole-body vibration and awkward posture among operators of mobile equipment. There have been only few studies that have specifically examined exposure of these risk factors among operators of construction equipment. Thus other studies from related industry and equipment were reviewed as applicable.

Conclusion: In order to better understand whole-body vibration and postural stress among OEs, it is recommended that future studies are needed in evaluating these risk factors among OEs.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2004.03.014

PubMed: 15288559

WoS: 000223384200003

History

Received: 2004-02-24

Accepted: 2004-03-9

Online: 2004-07-28

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Cited By (16)

Year	Entry
2006	Gillin K, Cann A, Vi P, Eger T, Hunt M, Salmoni A. Evaluation of scraper operator exposure to whole-body vibration in the construction industry: a task analysis. In: Proceedings of the 1st American Conference on Human Vibration. June 5-7, 2006; Morgantown, MV.83-84.
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2010	Smets MPH, Eger TR, Grenier SG. Whole-body vibration experienced by haulage truck operators in surface mining operations: a comparison of various analysis methods utilized in the prediction of health risks. Appl Ergon. October 2010;41(6):763-770.
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