Whole-body vibration & trunk rotation: A survey of expert opinion
Morgan LJ., Mansfield NJ.
Off-road occupational driving is often associated with low back pain, the causalfactors being associated with the drivers'exposuretowhole body vibration (WBV) and trunk rotation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of agreement between academic experts in the field of ergonomics and human response to whole-body vibration, and agricultural operators, on the effects of exposure to WBV and trunk rotation. A total of 83 individuals responded to the paper based questionnaire, on risk levels from single and combined exposures, discomfort development, exposure duration limits and tasks within agriculture. A general consensus was seen among experts in judging a risk progression with increasing exposure. Differencesin responses occurred between the groups in areas regarding acceptable exposure durations, areas of discomfort under exposure and recommendations for cab developments.