Whole-Body Vibration

---

Whole-body vibration is usually encountered by operators of mobile machines. Excessive exposure can lead to problems with the lower back and neck.

We have measured on mobile machines in farming forestry and amenity care...

...in earthmoving, quarrying and mining...

...and in factories and warehouses.

To assess exposure (risk) we need to know both the magnitude of vibration and the typical daily duration.

Estimating daily exposure requires information from workers and supervisors, interpreted with a degree of experience. Methods are available for combining exposure to several different levels of vibration within one day.

Measurements are based on one or sometimes two seat pads that contain tri-axial accelerometers, each coupled to a Human Vibration Meter. Measurements follow the guidance of ISO2631-1 and BS EN 14253.

Vibration Dose Value (VDV) is used as well as RMS acceleration, where appropriate.

Not all vibration is considered to be harmful.  We also measure what is generated by therapeutic devices.