Whole Body Vibration

 

“Is the acceleration transferred from a vibrating machine or vehicle to the body”

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is the shaking and jolting of the human body and is usually transmitted through the seat or feet of employees who drive work vehicles as part of their daily job. It can also come from employees operating earth moving machines or working on a fixed structure which is impacting or vibrating.

Large shocks and jolts can cause severe problems such as back pain and can have a detrimental effect on people with pre-existing conditions.

It is the employer’s responsibility to introduce control measures to prevent exposure to the lowest level practicable.

Cottam Parkinson Consulting can carry out thorough surveys to access Whole Body Vibration (WBV) which is measured in accordance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Measurements are taken to determine vibration magnitudes transferred from machinery or vehicles to the whole body. Working times are established and vibration results are compared to the Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 0.5 m/s2 and Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 1.15 m/s2. In addition, advice and guidance is provided to employers on the action required to reduce employee exposure to vibration.