Abstract
Drivers of residential solid waste collection trucks are exposed to a wide variety of physical and health hazards. Automated robotic arm collection methods are intended to eliminate physical and ergonomic hazards associated with manual waste collection. However, whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure is a hazard that may be significant and greater than being found in semi-automated or manual methods. WBV is measured in a pilot field study of automated waste collection trucks during normal operation for nearly eight-hour periods on two consecutive days. All four trials are run under similar route conditions. Vibrations are measured at the seat-driver interface using a tri-axial accelerometer seat pad and portable vibration monitors. Measured WBV levels are compared with prior published data from waste collection trucks and health standards. The average WBV exposure value, corresponding to 0.99 m.s-2 for frequency-weighted r.m.s. acceleration, is above the ISO 2631-1 action value of 0.50 m.s-2 and below a limit value of 1.15 m.s-2 as given in the European Parliament Directive 2002/44/EC. This exposure level suggests the presence of potential health risks.
Highlights
Human exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) is recognized as an occupational health risk factor, especially for lower back pain (LBP)
While acknowledging that LBP rates were higher for car drivers than non-drivers, and the contribution of WBV to car drivers’ LBP was uncertain [4]
The individual X, Y, and Z axis values for the trucks ranged from 0.36 - 0.40, 0.35 - 0.46, and 0.56 - 0.65 respectively for the three axes; the widest distribution was noted in the Y-axis data
Summary
Human exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) is recognized as an occupational health risk factor, especially for lower back pain (LBP). The U.S National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in a review of literature, found 15 of 19 WBV and LBP studies consistent in showing positive associations [6]. NIOSH assigned their highest ranking of “strong evidence” to the association between WBV and LBP, concluding with: Laboratory studies had demonstrated WBV effects on the vertebra, intervertebral discs, and supporting musculature. Both experimental and epidemiologic evidence suggested that WBV might act in combination with other work-related factors such as prolonged sitting, lifting, and awkward postures to cause increased risk of back disorder Both experimental and epidemiologic evidence suggested that WBV might act in combination with other work-related factors such as prolonged sitting, lifting, and awkward postures to cause increased risk of back disorder (p. 6-33)
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