Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Aluminum Foil - Soham/Trucking/Whole-body Vibration

Recognition

Whole-body vibration in the long-term can cause damage to the lumbar spine and the associated peripheral nervous system. Horizontal displacement and twisting of the particular vertebral segments may be one particular explanation for this effect. Furthermore, damaging mechanical stress can degenerate tissue discs in the Health-related consequences of whole-body vibration take a long time to develop, thus it is important for occupational hygienists to take into account length of employment when determining a dose-response relationship.

Evaluation

Complex methods of evaluation for whole-body vibration exist. One method takes into account several factors for creation of a formula. This method considers the instantaneous frequency-weighted acceleration, the integration time for running average, and the time of observation to calculate whole-body vibration exposure. The Health and Safety Executive Committee in the UK recommends an exposure action value of 0.5m/s² and a maximum exposure limit of 1.15 m/s² for whole-body vibration.

Controls

Elimination Controls

1. Minimizing transportation of goods, or replacing manned operations with automated, remote-controlled machines.

Engineering Controls

1. Proper design of seat and tyres to minimize translation of vibration to joints and vertebrae.

2. Vehicle and road maintenance to reduce shocks and jolts caused by pot holes or vehicular elements.

Administration Controls

1. Assigning shifts for workers, so that no one trucker is disproportionately exposed to whole-body vibration, may be an effective control.

Education

1. Providing adequate training and information for truckers.

Personal Protection Controls

1. Although not a true form of "control", the HSE recommends that truckers take adequate rest to balance out work periods, and reduce magnitude of vibration by spending less time working.

References

.