Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration for Drivers of Earth-Moving Vehicles

DENTONI, VALENTINA;MASSACCI, GIORGIO;Piras L.

2010-01-01

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Abstract

According to the data provided by the most recent European Survey on Working Conditions, roughly 25% of the European working population is exposed to mechanical vibrations for no less than ¼ of the work shift duration, while around 10% are exposed for the entire work shift. The occupational exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV), in particular, represents a major health risk in mining, quarrying and civil excavation activities. In accordance with European directive 2002/44/EC, the latest version of the Italian law on physical risks has recently confirmed the possibility of using relevant literature data on vibration magnitude in order to evaluate personal occupational exposure (vibration database or data provided by the manufacture). Still the alternative option, based on field measurements, represents the most appropriated method of risk assessment, as it accounts for the actual operating condition at the workplace: actual operator and vehicle under investigation and specific working cycle. The article discusses the vibration measurements taken on a number of heavy machinery (excavators, loaders, trucks, dumpers, etc.) employed for talc extraction in a mine located in Sardinia and the resulting personal exposure for the drivers. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the specifications of ISO 2631-1 and EN 14253.