Affiliations: School of Kinesiology, The University of Western
Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada | School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University,
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada | School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph,
Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Jim Dickey, School of
Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A
3K7. E-mail: jdickey@uwo.ca
Abstract: Background: Whole-body vibration is a significant workplace risk
factor for discomfort and injury in many work sectors. The current approach for
evaluating vibration exposures typically involves field studies of seatpan
acceleration while the operators perform typical workplace activities. These
vibration exposures are then compared to international standards to evaluate
the risk of discomfort or injury. This approach does not enable systematic and
controlled study of specific workplace factors such as the effect of seating,
and it is difficult and expensive to perform. Approach to paper: We have developed a systematic approach for studying whole-body vibration in the
laboratory setting. This approach involves field studies of occupational
exposures measuring the 6 degree of freedom chassis accelerations
(translational and rotational) and replication of these exposures in the
laboratory. Findings: To date, as a research team, we have collected
chassis vibration data from specific vehicles in the forestry (skidders),
mining (load-haul-dump vehicles), and construction (scrapers) sectors. We have
processed these exposures to develop a library of representative vibration
motions, and have replicated these motions in the laboratory using a robotic
platform. Conclusions: This systematic approach of combining field- and
laboratory-based measures has facilitated research into specific relevant
questions such as the effects of multi axis vibrations on the physical risks to
operator health and direct evaluation of the vibration attenuation properties
of industrial seats.
