Whole-body vibration (WBV) can be defined as more or less organised oscillatory motions of surfaces supporting the body and can be transmitted from the seat, backrest or foot support of a vehicle. Drivers of some mobile machines, including certain tractors, fork lift trucks, overhead cranes and quarrying or earth-moving machinery may be exposed to WBV and shocks, which are associated with back pain.
The graph below shows typical vibration acceleration values that are generated by moving vehicles:
Some workplace risks are imminent and obvious; vibration exposure is not always considered a priority by those whose job it is to make sure their fellow employees stay safe and healthy on the job.
Employers have to take action to prevent risk from exposure to vibration. They need to consider whether there are other ways or machines that would eliminate the exposure to the vibration, especially where large shocks and jolts are involved.
The effective way to prevent whole-body vibration risk at work is the identification of vibration sources by measurements. CARIRI possesses the equipment as well as, and competent staff and technical expertise to assist you in assessing your employees risk to whole body vibration.
If workers are truly at risk from excessive vibration, steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate that risk altogether. These can include a combination of the following: improving the driving surface, lowering the speed limit and use of air suspension seating.
With CARIRI you can be cognizant of the risks from vibration and take steps to eliminate or mitigate them. When it comes to preventing vibration injury, it’s never too late to shake things up!