You will learn:
- Possible acute sensorimotor, physical, and cognitive effects of whole body vibration identified from field and laboratory-based experiments
- Whether current whole body vibration guidelines (specifically the EU Directive) protect the worker from acute WBV effects
- Strategies to mitigate WBV effects including seating
- The combined effects of whole body vibration when sequentially performed with physical and mental work demands
Take home messages:
- There are physical and mental effects from short-term WBV exposure
- Current whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure guidelines exist for long-term musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort; however, it has been speculated that short-term exposure to excessive WBV may lead to increased risk of vehicle accidents and falls during egress. Current guidelines might not protect workers from acute WBV effects.
- WBV interventions should address both vibration reduction and potential effects of prolonged sitting. Work arrangement and scheduling strategies might offer a means to mitigate the effects of WBV and other work demands.
