Whole Body Vibration

Whole body vibration us caused by vibration entering the body through the feet or seat and travelling up the body. Whole body vibration (WBV) can cause back pain, digestive issues, impairment of vision, heart conditions and bone damage.

Damage to the body from exposure to vibration depends on:

• Length of exposure time;
• Frequency (rate at which the surface or tool vibrates, measured in vibrations per second or Hertz-Hz);
• Amplitude (the size of the vibration). Amplitude can measure acceleration, speed or distance covered.

Under the Control of Vibration Regulations 2005 the employer has a legal duty to reduce the risk from whole body vibration so far as is reasonably practicable. Control measures to be considered include:

• considering the choice of seat (including suspension seats) and the choice of tyres;
• regular maintenance of vehicles (including their seats and suspension) and maintenance of unmade roads and ground conditions throughout sites to suit the machines that use them will greatly reduce shocks and jolts;
• designing the layout of workplace sites to reduce the need to transport materials, and so reduce the WBV exposure of drivers/operators;
• ensuring the work schedules have adequate rest periods – a recommended precautionary measure is to take a short break between operating mobile machinery and manual handling of materials, to give tired muscles time to recover before handling heavy loads;
• protecting employees from cold and damp – cold exposure may accelerate the onset or worsen the severity of back pain. It is good practice to ensure that those working in the cold are provided with warm, and (if necessary) waterproof clothing.

HSE Guidance IND(G)404 offers advice on prevention of back pain whilst operating mobile machinery and vehicles.

For assistance with your legal duties under The Control of Vibration Regulations or other consultancy services, please visit our consultancy services page or contact us on 01942 318043.