Whole-body vibration
Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of a person operating a vehicle or machine, or standing on a vibrating surface. Prolonged exposure can cause back disorders and other musculoskeletal harm.
Local equivalents exist but use different names or numerical thresholds. Do not apply one jurisdiction's values in another.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“whole-body vibration”WBVExact equivalentThe Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1093) set a whole-body vibration exposure action value (EAV) of 0.5 m/s2 A(8) and an exposure limit value (ELV) of 1.15 m/s2 A(8). Employers must assess WBV exposure where risks may arise, reduce exposure as far below the ELV as is reasonably practicable, and carry out health surveillance for employees likely to be regularly exposed above the EAV.
Irish HSA
“whole-body vibration”Close equivalentThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/370) implement EU Directive 2002/44/EC for whole-body vibration. The EAV is 0.5 m/s2 A(8) and the ELV is 1.15 m/s2 A(8), numerically the same as GB values. The regulations derive from the same EU Directive basis.
US OSHA
“whole-body vibration”No equivalentNo equivalent in this jurisdiction.
Practitioner note: Driven by seat condition, surface and speed as much as by the machine itself. Seat maintenance and haul route condition are the practical controls.