It is now recognised that drivers of industrial vehicles are susceptible to back pain. The problem is caused when vibrational energy waves – similar to noise – are transferred from the vehicle to the body of the operator, via the seat or feet.
UK Coal employee newsletter, NewScene reports that a Health and Safety Executive/UK Coal study is aimed at identifying the extent of vibration exposure through the driver’s seat. The study will provide a vital step towards controlling vibration which is classified as a physical occupational hazard in the workplace.
“We are looking at various mining vehicles in used today, such as manriding cars, locomotives, heading machines, but in particular free steered vehicles and shuttle cars,” said group winding and transport engineer, John Bowett.
“The Eu’s new limite levels are based on what is through to be achievable – there is an absence of medical or historic information as to what might be damaging to health.
“There will be limits beyond which employers will not be allowed to expose their workers to vibration from machines and we are looking at what we might do to improve vehicle seats in order to make sure we are within those limits,” he said.
Other factors that need to be considered include: poor driving posture; poor design of controls making them difficult to operate; poor driver visibility, making twisting and stretching necessary when driving; other work activities that might put a strain on the back.
