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Abstract
Using a repeated measures design, this study compared differences in whole body vibration (WBV) exposures when 12 forklift operators drove the same forklift with a mechanical suspension and an air suspension seat. A portable PDA-based WBV data acquisition system collected and analysed time-weighted and raw WBV data per ISO 2631-1 and 2631-5 WBV measurement standards. Tri-axial measurements of weighted vibration (Aw), crest factor, vibration dose values, time-weighted average-peak, raw (+) peak, raw (–) peak and static compression dose (Sed) were compared between seats. There were significant differences in z-axis WBV exposures with the air suspension seat, yielding lower WBV exposures. In addition, there were differences between seats in how they attenuated WBV exposures based on the driver's weight. In the mechanical suspension seat, WBV exposures were weight-dependent, with lighter drivers having higher WBV exposures, whereas with the air suspension seat, the same trends were not as prevalent.
Statement of Relevance: This study contributes to the understanding of how different seat suspensions can influence WBV transmission and how some components of vibration transmission are dependent on the weight of the driver. Additional systematic studies are needed to quantify how various factors can influence WBV exposures.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Grammer, USA for donating the seats used in the study. The research was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Educational Resource Centre Training Grant T42/CCT010418 and the Washington State Medical Aid and Accident Fund administered by the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington.
