A comparison between methods for assessment of whole-body vibration exposure: A case study in a limestone quarry

The problem of the whole body vibration (WBV) exposure for operators in the workplace has been analyzed by many researchers that have studied for a long time the complex relationships between this phenomenon and human health risks. Previous studies have shown that drivers of different vehicles, in particular operators in mining activities, are afflicted by serious musculoskeletal injuries due to WBV exposure. Criteria in order to measure and assess equivalent daily exposure, associated with different operations of the vehicles, are referred to standards ISO2631-1, based on method of the frequency-weighted equivalent continuous root mean squared (r.m.s.) acceleration. Numerous studies point out the complexity to outline a clear relationship between WBV exposure and the human health disorders. An experimental campaign was realized in a limestone quarry near Rome and vibration measurements were recorded on four different mining vehicles (dumper, jeep, digger and puncher machine). The vibratory signal was taken at the seat operator/seat interface (X, Y and Z axes) in accordance with the ISO 2631-1 during daily quarry operations. The data obtained were elaborated and finally the results are presented in order to evidence the difference of WBV exposure between the specific operating tasks and some methods for the purpose of exposure dose reduction are suggested.