A Review of Factors Influencing Whole-Body Vibration Injuries in Forestry Mobile Machine Operators

Abstract

Mobile machine operators in the forestry industry are subjected to long hours of whole-body vibration exposure while adopting static seated postures and performing repeated hand and foot movements to operate controls. These conditions have been found to put operators at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back, as well as decreased productivity. This paper provides a review of the individual risk factors for these musculoskeletal problems and explores the possible interactions between risk factors and their effects on injury and productivity. Gaps in the literature and directions for future research are identified and discussed.

Keywords:

• forestry
• mobile machine operator
• vibration
• posture
• repetitive motion
• spine stability
• muscle activity
• musculoskeletal injury
• trunk
• prevention