So, what is whole body vibration? Well, also known as WBV, whole body vibration is a risk faced by workers who spend long periods interacting with high vibration machinery or vehicles.
Unlike hand-arm vibration, WBV affects the entire body, with vibration entering through the seat or feet. This is most commonly a risk in industries like construction, quarrying or agriculture.
WBV occurs when vibration from a machine or vehicle is transmitted to the operator. Common sources include:
This risk increases in worse conditions, such as when operators drive over rough ground, potholes or uneven surfaces.
This is key to consider when ensuring proper working conditions for your team, but it’s not just WBV that can cause health issues:
Poor seating or suspension combined with the awkward posture can massively effect problems such as back pain. Long periods of driving also have an effect, so it is crucial to manage the amount of time you / your team are exposed to high levels of vibration.
The most common problem caused by WBV is back and spinal pain. This has led to back pain being the most common cause of lost working days in the UK. The exact link between WBV and spinal injury is still being studied, but evidence shows that long term exposure increases the risk, particularly in higher doses of vibration.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations set legal limits on how much whole-body vibration a worker can be exposed to.
For WBV, the regulations define:
These exposure limits should not be treated as a target. Employers are required to reduce exposure as reasonably practicable, even when below the limit value.
Controlling and managing exposure to WBV is often a combination of equipment choice, working methods and site management.
This could be measures such as:
There is no current PPE that can protect against WBV, so exposure time and vibration levels must be addressed and managed at the source.
Some workers may be more vulnerable to WBV, such as people that have existing back problems. Simple monitoring of symptoms is a great way to make sure that people who cannot handle higher doses of WBV are effectively protected.
Cold and damp conditions can also make symptoms worse, so suitable clothing and rest breaks matter.
All previously listed methods are necessary, but the most effective way to manage WBV?
Proper monitoring.
To manage WBV properly, employers need reliable exposure data. This typically involves:
Accurate vibration measurement helps employers stay compliant and gives operators confidence that risks are being properly managed.
This is why picking the correct equipment is so important.
Equipment like the SV 106D is extremely effective and has been used on proven studies relating to HAV and WBV vibration.
What makes kit like the 106D useful, are the multiple input capabilities. Connecting 2 triaxial accelerometers gives up to 6 channels of monitoring, allowing you to measure seat and back doses, or HAV and WBV at the same time.
Whole-body vibration is a real, manageable workplace risk. Most issues come not from extreme exposure, but from day-to-day vibration over long periods.
With sensible equipment choices, good maintenance, and realistic working practices, WBV exposure can be reduced, protecting both workers’ health and employers’ compliance.
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