Whole-Body Vibration

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been described as a shaking or jolting of the human body through a supporting surface (usually a seat or the floor).  The vibration can potentially enter the body via a number of routes and potentially affect organs and/or human health.

Examples of WBV include exposure arising when driving or riding on a vehicle over rough terrain, operating earthmoving machines, or standing on a structure attached to a large, powerful, fixed machine which is vibrating.  Regular and long term exposure to WBV is linked to lower back pain and industries associated with WBV include agriculture, mining and construction.

Moloney & Associates Acoustic & Environmental Consultants undertake WBV assessments for a wide range of industries and we have compiled databases on WBV exposure as well as undertaken surveys, measurements and assessments.  Normally vibration assessments are commissioned as a result of an injury and/or complaint.  However, routine WBV risk assessments are required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007)  based on ISO Standard 2631-1: 1997.