Whole Body Vibration Assessments

Understanding the Problems of Whole Body Vibration: Impact on Health and Well-being

In a world dominated by technology and transportation, whole body vibration (WBV) has become an increasingly relevant concern. WBV refers to the mechanical oscillations transferred to the entire body when exposed to vibrating surfaces or machinery. While it’s prevalent in various industries and daily activities, the prolonged and intense exposure to WBV can lead to a range of health problems, affecting the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, and overall well-being. Understanding these problems is crucial for safeguarding the health and safety of workers, drivers, and individuals in various settings.

Mechanism of Whole Body Vibration 

Whole body vibration occurs when the body is exposed to mechanical vibrations transmitted through surfaces or machinery. Common sources include vehicles, heavy machinery, construction equipment, and even everyday activities like using power tools or riding in public transportation. These vibrations can be transmitted through the feet, seat, or hands, impacting different parts of the body. 

Health Problems Associated with WBV 

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prolonged exposure to WBV can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to discomfort and pain. Common musculoskeletal issues include back pain, neck pain, and joint problems.

Spinal Disorders: WBV can cause spinal compression and intervertebral disc degeneration due to the repetitive stress on the spine. This can result in herniated discs, sciatica, and other spinal disorders.

Circulatory Effects: WBV can affect blood circulation, leading to reduced blood flow to extremities and increased risks of blood clots. Long-term exposure to WBV may contribute to cardiovascular problems.

Digestive Disorders: Prolonged WBV exposure has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and indigestion, due to the impact on abdominal organs.

Respiratory Problems: Intense WBV can affect the respiratory system, potentially causing discomfort, shallow breathing, and even exacerbating pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Neurological Effects: Prolonged exposure to WBV might have implications for the nervous system, potentially leading to neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling in extremities.

Occupational and Lifestyle Factors

Occupational Hazards: Certain occupations, such as truck drivers, heavy machinery operators, and construction workers, are at a higher risk of prolonged WBV exposure. Regulations and protective measures are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Public Transportation: People who frequently use public transportation, like buses and trains, may also experience prolonged WBV exposure, which could impact their health over time.

Legal Requirements

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 aims to protect workers from the risks to health from vibration. Moreover, they place a duty on employers to assess the risks to their employees from whole-body vibration, and to take action to reduce the exposure that produces those risks.

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations sets a daily exposure action value of 0.5 m/s2. If an employee’s exposure exceeds this, an employer must take action to control exposure and reduce risk.

The Regulations also set a daily exposure limit value of 1.5m/s2. Exposure should not exceed this value as it is the maximum amount of exposure for a worker.

Preventive Measures

Engineering Controls: Implementing engineering controls, such as adding shock absorbers to machinery and vehicles, can reduce the intensity of vibrations reaching the body.

Personal Protective Equipment: In some cases, personal protective equipment like vibration-damping gloves and seats with suspension systems can help mitigate the impact of WBV.

Work Schedules: Rotating tasks, allowing breaks, and limiting the duration of exposure to vibrating equipment can reduce the risks associated with prolonged WBV.

Awareness and Education

Training: Proper training for workers who operate vibrating machinery is crucial to ensure they understand the risks and know how to use equipment safely.

Ergonomic Design: Designing equipment and vehicles with ergonomic considerations can minimize the transmission of vibrations to the body.

Health Monitoring: Regular health check-ups and monitoring can help identify early signs of health problems related to WBV exposure.

Whole Body Vibration Assessments

All instrumentation used to undertake the assessments is fully calibrated. Likewise, the procedures for measurements are all by the Regulations, Health and Safety Executive Guidance L141 Whole–Body Vibration, and The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

The consultant measures exposure using a tri-axial accelerometer fitted into a seat pad beneath the operator on the seat of the vehicle.

The consultant carries out monitoring over a representative time period. This is generally on operators and vehicles where the vibration magnitudes are likely to be high or variable and exposure can be over a long duration.

Addressing the problems of whole body vibration requires a comprehensive approach that involves a combination of measurements, engineering solutions, education, and awareness. Whether in the workplace or daily life, minimizing prolonged and intense exposure to WBV is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals. By understanding the potential health problems associated with whole body vibration and implementing preventive measures, we can create safer environments and ensure a healthier future for those exposed to these mechanical oscillations.