ROSPA Safety Awareness Exchange 2nd Dec 2005

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published further guidance on Whole Body Vibration (WBV). The guide, "Whole Body Vibration:

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005" gives advice to employers of what can be done to reduce and control the risks of WBV under the Control of Vibration Work Act 2005 which came into being earlier this year.

The new guidance will be helpful to those who operate off-road machinery and construction vehicles as well as industries where drivers can be exposed to shocks and jolts while travelling over rough ground like, mining and quarrying.

The book is a detailed, plain language guide of the regulations as they apply to whole-body vibration together with chapters, giving practical advice on a number of issues like: how to do risk assessments, estimating vibration exposure and arranging health surveillance.

Mike Shepherd, head of HSE’s Noise and Vibration Programme said, "HSE has been working closely with industry over the past 4 years to carry out research, which will help identify what the levels of whole-body vibration are in agriculture, mining and construction. The research is to identify the most effective ways of reducing excessive vibration exposures."

"Employers looking for more in-depth explanations of the regulations and how to manage the risks effectively will find the new guidance book very helpful. However for many, the guidance in the free leaflet on whole body vibration will provide all they need to understand and comply with the Regulations."

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