WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION
INFORMATION SHEET
Overview
This information sheet provides advice for small businesses and workers on managing the risks of wholebody vibration (WBV) in the workplace.
Operators, drivers and passengers of machines and vehicles in workplaces can be exposed to harmful
levels of whole-body vibration. Reducing vibration exposure reduces the risk of musculoskeletal
disorders.
More information on WBV can be found in the Guide to managing risks of whole-body
vibration in the workplace.
What is whole-body vibration?
WBV is vibration transmitted to the whole body by the surface supporting it, that is, via a
seat or floor. It is commonly experienced by drivers, operators and passengers in vehicles
and machines when travelling over uneven surfaces.
The transmission of vibration to the body is dependent on body posture. The effects of
vibration are complex. Exposure to WBV causes motions and forces within the human
body that may:
•
cause discomfort
•
reduce performance, and
•
cause health effects or aggravate pre-existing conditions.
What are the health effects of exposure to WBV?
The longer a worker is exposed to WBV the greater the risk of health effects and
musculoskeletal disorders. The most commonly reported disorder from exposure to WBV
is lower-back pain. Long term exposure to WBV is also associated with neck and shoulder
problems, herniated discs and early degeneration of the spine.
Exposure to WBV may also contribute to other health or safety effects including:
•
cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and metabolic changes
•
digestive problems
•
reproductive organ damage
•
impairment of vision, balance or both, and
•
interference with activities and discomfort that could lead to accidents.
What are the sources of WBV?
The main sources of WBV exposure in vehicles and machines include:
•
rough road and surface conditions and resistance forces, e.g. mobile plant with scraper blades
•
vehicle activity, and
•
engine vibration.
Factors that can impact on WBV exposure include:
•
road construction and maintenance
•
vehicle type and design
•
age and condition of vehicle
•
maintenance of vehicle suspension systems
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seat design, suspension and maintenance
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cab layout, design and orientation
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task design and work organisation
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vehicle speed, driver skills and awareness, and
•
lighting and visibility.
Factors that can increase health effects
Working posture, size and proportions of the body, muscle tone, physical workload and individual
susceptibility like age, pre-existing disorders and muscle force can also increase health effects of WBV.
Operating mobile plant can also strain the back, shoulders and neck. Key factors include:
•
prolonged sitting in constrained or poor postures
•
frequent twisting of the spine
•
adopting twisted head postures
•
frequent lifting and material handling e.g. delivery drivers
•
traumatic injuries
•
unexpected movements
•
unfavourable climatic conditions, and
•
stress.
Reducing vibration exposure
Control measures to eliminate or minimise exposure to WBV include minimising vibration at the source,
along the paths of the vibration and vibration at the position of the worker. The control measures
introduced to reduce harmful WBV exposure should follow the hierarchy of controls.
Workers should be consulted and involved in setting priorities and identifying solutions. Minimising WBV
exposure usually requires a combination of control measures. Examples of control measures, listed in
order of the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest, include:
•
modifying the process to eliminate the task or the risk
•
redesigning the task or the equipment to reduce vibration exposure
•
buying machines or vehicles that are designed to reduce the vibration transmitted to the operator
•
improving and maintaining road surfaces
•
implementing a seat maintenance program to ensure vibration dampened seats are maintained in
good condition
•
implementing speed limits
•
implementing regular work breaks, posture changes or job rotation to reduce exposure time
•
providing training, information and supervision on adjusting and operating equipment, including seats
to reduce exposure, and
•
implementing safe work procedures and standard operating procedures.
Do you need to measure vibration?
Measurement is difficult and expensive and should only be considered when workers think that WBV
exposure is reaching unpleasant levels. If this is the case it is likely that their exposure to WBV is
reaching levels that could pose a risk to health and hazard controls should be put in place.
Further information
For further information see the Safe Work Australia website (www.swa.gov.au).
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