Case studies in whole-body vibration assessment in the transportation industry:​ challenges in the field

Salmoni, Alan W.; Cann, Adam P.; Gillin, E. Kent; Eger, Tammy R.

Affiliations

¹School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada N6A 3K7

²Rehab Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada N6A 3K7

³School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ont., Canada P3E 2C6

Abstract and keywords

We present three case studies in transportation to highlight difficulties experienced when assessing whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure within an industrial occupational health setting. Across the three cases and various vehicles, the <em>z</em>-axis was always dominant with acceleration values collected at the seat–operator interface ranging from 0.10–1.08 m/s². Some of the main challenges discussed include the use and interpretation of safety standards, time and event sampling, effective access to equipment and operators, and lack of control when testing.

Relevance to industry: There are many industries for which exposure to WBV is hazardous to employee health. As a result, many companies have become interested in measuring vibration levels associated with the operation of equipment. However, field measurements of WBV can be challenging. Successfully dealing with these challenges is necessary if health hazards are to be minimized.

Keywords: Whole-body vibration; Field testing; Transportation

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2007.10.002

WoS: 000259845900015

History

Received: 2007-10-1

Accepted: 2007-10-3

Online: 2007-11-8

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Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
2012	Jack RJ. Investigating Whole-Body Vibration Injuries in Forestry Skidder Operators: Combining Operator Vibration Exposures and Postures in the Field With Biodynamic Responses in the Laboratory [PhD thesis]. Guelph, ON: University of Guelph; January 2012.