Health and Safety Effects of Vibrations in Helicopters

Helicopter operations imply Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), primarily due to the motions of the main rotor system. Health effects of WBV in general have primarily been related to the spine and it's related structures. However, many other effects are present, some of them having potential health implications while others may affect safety by acting on the human operator's physiology. METHODS AND DISCUSSION: Probable and possible vibration effects in helicopters are reviewed, both from possible mechanisms and epidemiological data. Low Back Pain (LBP) is possibly the best documented physiological effect, however, LBP in helicopters is only partly due to vibration. Other physiological effects, e.g on the neck and on the visual system may have safety consequences. The possible entity of Vibro-Acoustic Disease (VAD) is also discussed in relation to helicopter aircrew. Problem areas and possibilities in relation to reducing vibration in helicopters include considerations of the vibration levels and axes as well as crash protection.