Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Whole body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat or floor to the operator of construction plant.
Prolonged WBV exposure causes lower back pain, spinal degeneration, and digestive system problems.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set a daily exposure action value of 0.5 m/s² and limit of 1.15 m/s².
Dumpers, excavators, bulldozers, and rollers are among the highest WBV exposure machines on site.
Driving over rough haul roads, potholes, and uneven ground significantly increases vibration levels.
Seat condition and adjustment are critical — a worn or incorrectly set suspension seat amplifies vibration.
Health surveillance including back health questionnaires is required for workers regularly exposed to WBV.
Reducing exposure time through job rotation is a practical control alongside machine and route improvements.
Vehicle speed directly affects vibration magnitude — slower speeds on rough ground reduce exposure.
Employers must assess vibration exposure for all plant operators and implement controls where necessary.

Spinal damage	Prolonged WBV causes chronic lower back pain and premature spinal disc degeneration in plant operators.
Legal duty	The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and control WBV exposure.
Long-term health	WBV effects are cumulative and irreversible — early intervention prevents permanent disability.

Do

Don't

Assess WBV exposure for all plant operators and compare against the action value
Maintain haul roads and operating surfaces to minimise vibration from rough ground
Ensure suspension seats are correctly adjusted for the operator's weight
Replace worn or damaged suspension seats that no longer dampen vibration
Rotate operators between high and low vibration tasks to reduce daily exposure
Reduce vehicle speed on rough ground to lower the vibration transmitted to the operator
Enrol exposed operators in health surveillance including back health monitoring
Select plant with lower vibration emissions when purchasing or hiring equipment
Brief operators on the WBV risks and how to adjust their seat correctly
Record vibration exposure assessments and keep them available for review

DON'T drive plant at speed over rough ground, potholes, or haul road defects
DON'T operate plant with a worn out or incorrectly adjusted suspension seat
DON'T exceed the daily exposure limit value without immediate corrective action
DON'T ignore back pain or discomfort — report it and seek occupational health advice
DON'T allow operators to sit on makeshift cushions instead of a proper suspension seat
DON'T leave haul roads in poor condition with ruts, bumps, and standing water
DON'T skip health surveillance for operators regularly exposed to WBV
DON'T assume low vibration in the cab — measure or use manufacturer data to check
DON'T allow continuous long shifts on high-vibration plant without rotation breaks
DON'T forget that jumping down from cabs causes shock loading on the spine as well

See also: Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) | Plant Pre-Use Inspections

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