Is Exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) a Health Hazard ?
Who is at Risk ?
Operators of heavy construction and mining machinery, off-road vehicle drivers and passengers, etc.
Consequences ?
Workplaces where workers are exposed to excessive WBV are experiencing increased compensation costs and lost work days through absenteeism, work inefficiencies and early retirement.
| EquipmentType | Total No. of Injuries | No. of Back Injuries | No. of Jarring Injuries |
| Truck / Lorry | 61 | 8 | 3 |
| Passenger Vehicle | 227 | 31 | 16 |
| Excavation Equip. | 229 | 55 | 15 |
| Dump Trucks | 360 | 91 | 56 |
| Loaders | 218 | 68 | 38 |
| Dozers | 232 | 63 | 41 |
| Scrapers | 35 | 12 | 11 |
| Graders | 43 | 14 | 8 |
| Shuttle cars | 1000 | 208 | 109 |
Is There Any Data on WBV Related Injuries ?
YES - Have a look at the table beside on accident data from a study by the Joint Coal Board.
Are There Any Recommended Vibration Limits That You Should be Observing ?
YES - these are set-out in Australian Standard 2670.1-2001.
How Can Your Company Ensure it is Not Breaching These Limits ?
This would require a vibration control program which would involve identifying offending equipment and putting in place engineering and/or administrative control measures to reduce workers' exposure to vehicle vibration.
But the first step is to assess the vibration environment of your equipment. VIPAC will do it for you in just 30 minutes (per item) with virtually no interruption to your normal operations.
To find out more about these services, please email: