Can exposure to whole body vibration in operators of construction vehicles affect the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders? A research study in construction projects

Operators of construction vehicles are constantly exposed to whole body vibration, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to whole body vibration in operators and its relation to musculoskeletal disorders. This study is a descriptive-analytical study. Using easy sampling, 89 operators from 6 types of heavy vehicles (Bulldozer, Tipper Truck, Heavy Vibrator Roller, Light Vibrator Roller, Pecker and Loader) were included in two construction projects. To evaluate exposure to whole body vibration, different vibration indices (effective acceleration, peak factor and vibrational dose) were measured according to ISO 2631 and SVAN 958 vibrometer. The Body Map Questionnaire was used to assess the musculoskeletal disorders. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multivariate regression (significance level less than 0.05). The results of this study showed that exposure to whole body vibration in Bulldozer (2.25 m/s2), Tipper Truck (0.98 m/s2), Heavy Vibration Rollers (3.20 m/s2), Light Vibration Rollers (3.45 m/s2) Pecker (4.11 m/s2) and Loader (1.2 m/s2) are more than the daily exposure to OEL. There was a significant and direct relationship between exposure to vibration, underlying factors and musculoskeletal disorders. The present study confirms the potential health hazards for operators of construction vehicles. Therefore, engineering and management controls are recommended, including installation of appropriate vibration insulators on seats, training courses, changing jobs of individuals with a long exposure to vibration, rotating work schedules, using gloves, flooring and vibration damping pads and create monitoring protocols on work.