New Whole-Body Vibration Report

Whole-body is a common hazard in many occupational settings--yet it's a subject unfamiliar to many SH&E professionals according to this article published in the April 2011 issue of Professional Safety.

IRSST, a Quebec-based organization that, through research, aims to prevent industrial incidents and occupational diseases, has published an evaluation of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure of operators of soil compactors, which are commonly used to compact soil and during road building.

This study investigates vibration properties and operator exposure to WBV and presents spectral classes of vibration that could be applied for identifying desired interventions. According to IRSST, the goal of this project was to determine the vibration behaviors of vehicles in terms of dominant ride frequencies and probable vibration modes. "The results suggest that the use of an adequately tuned suspension seat would be vital for limiting the exposure below the action value, particularly for the 10-ton machine." IRSST reports that most compactors used in Quebec do not employ a suspension at the seat and the cabin suspension is limited only to rubber mounts. 

Download the report here.