These aren’t the good vibrations Marky Mark was talking about.
Vibration from equipment, tools, and vehicles can pose serious health risks to workers if not properly managed. This newsletter aims to raise awareness about these hazards, highlight potential health effects, and provide practical tips on how to eliminate or control them.
Vibration transmitted to the human body through contact with equipment, tools, and vehicles can lead to injuries, especially when the vibration is severe, prolonged, or occurs in cold conditions. Between 2018 and 2022, vibration resulted in 394 injury claims to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), averaging 79 claims annually. The most common injuries were sprains, strains, or tears (78 percent), with the back being the most frequently affected body part (67 percent)
During this period, the “oil sands and salt mining operations” industry had the highest percentage of vibration-related claims at 20 percent. Additionally, the “transport and heavy equipment operation and related maintenance” industries accounted for nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of all vibration injury claims. Trucks were involved in 28 percent of cases, and buses in another 16 percent.
Types of Vibration
In the workplace, there are two main types of vibration:
1. Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV): This occurs when workers handle vibrating tools or equipment directly.
Examples include grinders, drills, chainsaws, and power tools. HAV can lead to Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, reduced grip strength, and pain in the hands and arms.
2. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV): WBV affects workers who sit or stand on vibrating surfaces such as heavy machinery, vehicles, or industrial floors. Prolonged exposure to WBV can result in musculoskeletal disorders, lower back pain, and fatigue.
Health Effects
Exposure to vibration can have various health effects, including:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) such as HAVS and lower back problems.
- Reduced blood flow, leading to nerve and muscle damage.
- Symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the hands and arms.
- Digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue from WBV.
Managing Vibration Hazards
1. Hazard Assessment and Control:
- Identify Hazards: Assess tools, equipment, and work processes for potential vibration hazards.
- Control Measures: Use anti-vibration tools, maintain equipment regularly, and implement engineering controls to reduce vibration levels.
- Consider factors such as vibration intensity, duration of exposure, and environmental conditions (e.g., cold temperatures)
- Job Rotation: Rotate tasks to limit exposure to vibrating equipment.
- Training: Educate workers on the risks of vibration exposure, early symptoms of MSIs, and proper use of equipment.
- Equipment Design: Choose tools and equipment with lower vibration emissions and ergonomic designs that promote neutral postures.
- Vibration Isolation: Use anti-vibration mounts and pads to reduce transmission of vibration to workers.
- Provide anti-vibration gloves and footwear to reduce exposure to HAV and WBV.
- Ensure PPE is properly fitted and used according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Design workstations to promote neutral postures and minimize prolonged exposure to vibration.
- Encourage regular breaks and stretching exercises to reduce the impact of vibration on the body.
- Perform regular inspections to assess vibration levels in tools and equipment.
- Use vibration measurement devices (accelerometers) to quantify risks and identify suitable controls.
- Ensure inspections are conducted by qualified personnel with appropriate training and experience.
- Encourage workers to report any symptoms of vibration-related injuries promptly.
- Implement health surveillance programs to monitor and manage worker health effectively.
- Seek feedback from workers regarding their experiences with vibrating equipment.
- Regularly review and update control measures based on new information, technological advancements, or changes in work practices
Conclusion
Understanding and managing vibration hazards is essential for creating a safe and healthy work environment. By implementing the strategies outlined in this newsletter, we can protect our employees from the potential risks associated with vibration exposure. Regular review and adjustment of control measures based on ongoing assessments and feedback will contribute to a safer work environment overall. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can ensure a workplace where health and well-being are prioritized.
Stay Safe!
Reference Documents:
Ergonomics in the workplace – Vibration (alberta.ca)
Vibration – WorkSafeBC
CCOHS: Vibration
Vibration Monitoring Services in Canada:
Noise & Vibration Feasibility & Impact Studies in Ontario & Alberta, Canada (acoustical-consultants.com)
Acoustics and Vibrations Services in Toronto, Ottawa, and Nova Scotia (se-consulting.ca)
ACI Acoustical Consultants Inc. https://www.aciacoustical.com/
https://www.patchingassociates.com/