Whole Body Vibration

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Whole-body IHSA’S SAFETY TALKS

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vibration (WBV)
The health effects of WBV have been compared for
List whole-body vibration hazards on site operators of heavy equipment and for workers in a
similar environment but who were not exposed to
WBV. With short-term exposure to vibration
magnitude at 1 m/s2, workers reported symptoms
such as abdominal and chest pain, headaches,
nausea, and loss of balance. Long-term exposure to
WBV can cause serious health problems,
particularly related to the spine and the
gastrointestinal system.
Recommendations
Until improved equipment comes on the market,
Heavy equipment operators are exposed to heavy-equipment operators should do the following
vibration from bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, skid to reduce WBV:
steer vehicles, excavators, and other construction
• Report any poorly maintained equipment. A
machines (see graph below). The three main
good suspension system and correct tire pressure
sources of whole-body vibration (WBV) from heavy
will help to reduce vibration.
equipment are
• If your seat has hydraulic dampers and shock
• low-frequency vibration caused by the tires and
absorbers, adjust the seat to your weight and
terrain
height.
• high-frequency vibration from the engine and
• Slow down when driving over potholes and
transmission
rough terrain such as shale or rock.
• shock from running into potholes or obstacles.
• Report any rough terrain to your supervisor.
Other workers may be able to level or smooth-
Mobile Crane out the road.
Concrete Trowel Vehicle
Forklift
Excavator
• Get out of your vehicle (in a safe location) every
Grader hour for a few minutes to stand, stretch, and
Vibratory Compactor
Zoom Boom
give your body a break from vibration.
Non-Vibratory Compactor
Large Bulldozer
Tracked Loader
Backhoe Demonstrate
Small Bulldozer
Rubber Tire Loader • Ask the crew to describe any problems they have
Regular Skid Steer Vehicle
Articulated Haul Truck had with WBV.
Mini Skid Steer Vehicle
Scraper • Show them the level of vibration of their
0 0 .5 1 1 .5 equipment using the graph.
Mean Acceleration (m/s 2 )

Vibration magnitude for various types of construction


equipment. For eight hours of continuous work, the
magnitude of vibration should not exceed 0.5 m/s2.
Sources: ISO 2631; The European Vibration Directive.

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