Whole-body vibration exposure of heavy earthmoving machinery operators in surface coal mines: a comparative assessment of transport and non-transport earthmoving equipment operators

Abstract

Purpose. Two groups of heavy earthmoving equipment operators, transport equipment (dumper) operators and non-transport equipment (drill and shovel) operators, in coal mines are assessed comparatively for their vibration magnitude and possible health consequences. Methods. Whole-body vibration exposure measurements were recorded according to Standard No. ISO 2631-1. Measurements were carried out at the operator–seat interface with a tri-axial seat pad accelerometer using a vibration analyser, followed by a questionnaire survey. The binary logistic regression model was used to comparatively assess the two groups of operators. Results. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of lower back pain is 4.06 times greater (95% confidence interval [1.36, 12.08]) in transport equipment operators compared to non-transport operators. The daily vibration dose value of the transport equipment operators was 2.92 times greater than their counterparts (95% confidence interval [0.94, 9.09]). However, non-transport equipment operators belonging to the high driving experience category presented a value 5.26 times higher than the transport equipment operators. Conclusion. Transport equipment operators are more vulnerable to vibration hazards than their counterparts, as is evident from the vibration magnitude as well as from the symptoms of lower back pain.