Comparison of Methods for the Assessment of Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration

Abstract

Several epidemiological studies have provided evidence of a causal relationship between the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and whole-body vibration exposure. EU Directive 2002/44/EC was published by the European Parliament to ensure the health and safety of each worker and create a minimum protection basis for all community workers by timely detection of adverse health effects arising or likely to arise from exposure to mechanical vibration, especially MSDs. This standard defines the methods for assessing daily vibration exposure (defined in ISO2631-1:1997). ISO 2631-5:2004 defines the method for assessing long-term exposure. Recently, this standard has been modified by ISO 2631-5:2018. This study analysed the differences between the assessment methods defined in the three standards and determined the contributions made by the last standard. The consideration of posture and anthropometric characteristics, the vertebral levels as well as not only considering the acceleration transmitted through the seat are the most important considerations provided by ISO 2631-5:2018. This fact makes the assessments more precise, providing personalized assessment of long-term WBV exposure, determining the effects on the exposed individuals and the way of working.