Measuring and analyzing whole-body vibration in heavy duty machinery mine operators

Researchers:

Dr. Katie Goggins, Dr. Kathryn Sinden, Kate Posluszny, Emily Tella

The main purpose of this project was to measure and analyze WBV during normal operation of New Gold’s fleet of haulage and dozer trucks. Vibration was measured at the floor and seat pan level of the driver’s seat of each truck. The Seat Effective Amplitude Transmissibility (S.E.A.T.) was calculated to give an indication of seat pan performance. Worker WBV exposure has been compared to international guidelines (ISO 2631-1) to determine if daily exposure if above recommended values.