Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Exposure to WBVS (Whole Body Vibration Syndrome) is attributed to vibrations transmitted to the body through the supporting surfaces such as the feet, buttocks or back.

There are various sources of whole body vibration such as standing on a vibrating platform, floor surface, driving, and construction, manufacturing, many types of vehicles including those used on road, rail and sea and in the air, those used in industry and those used off road (e.g. tractors), along with musculoskeletal problems, exposure to occupational whole body vibration also presents a health risk to the psychomotor, physiological, and psychological systems of the body.

WBV occurs in drivers of some static industrial machines and can transmit vibrations into the body through the platform on which the operator stands. Regular exposure to WBV is associated with damage to the back and back pain read more.....

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Limits

Although the limits for Whole Body Vibration (WBV) in the UK have not yet been decided, they will affect a wide range of vehicle users particularly those involved in construction, agriculture, forestry and other earth moving activities.

It is known that regular long term exposure to WBV is associated with back pain alongside other factors such as poor posture and heavy lifting
The HSE is running a major national initiative this summer focused on reducing the incidence of back pain at work.

It would be prudent to look out for WBV risks where any commercial/industrial/construction vehicles are driven regularly for most of the day

Employers Responsibilities

Employers must ensure that the vibration exposures from tools used in the course of their business do not exceed maximum levels. To do this they must measure the vibration levels of the tools and the exposure times and thus determine the risk of exposure.

Employers should implement a strategy to reduce vibration levels Whole Body Vibration Exposure

Where Will You Find Whole Body Vibration?

• Buses
• Trains
• Trucks (tractor/trailer)
• Underground trains
• Agricultural heavy equipment
• Forklifts
• Power shovels,
• Tow motors,
• Cranes,
• Wheel Loaders
• Bulldozers
• Caterpillars
• Earth moving machinery
• Helicopters

Effect of WBVS

The health effects of whole body vibration syndrome on drivers of heavy vehicle versus workers in a similar environment who were not exposed to whole body vibration have been compared. Research indicates that back disorders are more prevalent and more severe in those exposed to vibration versus non-exposed workers. With short term exposure to vibration, one can feel several different symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• General feeling of discomfort,including headaches
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Loss of equilibrium (balance)
• Muscle contractions
• Shortness of breath
• Influence on speech

Long-term exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly with the spine:

• Disc displacement
• Degenerative spinal changes
• Lumbar scoliosis
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Degenerative disorders of the spine
• Herniated discs
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal system
• Uro-genital systems