The effects of vibration in workplaces can be permanently disabling, and Safe Work Australia has released guidance material to help manage the risk of vibration-related injury or illness.
Over the past 14 years there were approximately 5260 workers’ compensation claims for injuries or illness attributed to exposure to vibration.
Australian workers are exposed to vibration in a range of industries including mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, trades, transport and utilities, costing $134 million in workers’ compensation payments over the past 14 years.
“Safe Work Australia has released guidance material and technical information about managing the risks associated with vibrating plant to increase awareness and help workplaces manage this hazard,” says CEO Michelle Baxter.
Safe Work Australia’s guidance material on exposure to vibration in workplaces includes general guides and information sheets for workers and those managing workers who are, or may be exposed to vibration. There are also guides to help work health and safety professionals measure and assess vibration in workplaces.
There are two main types of vibration, hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV). Exposure to vibration normally occurs while operating powered hand held or hand guided machinery such as angle grinders, drills, jackhammers and chainsaws or while travelling in vehicles.
The effects of HAV can impact a worker’s long-term health and may include white finger, carpel tunnel syndrome, occupational overuse syndrome, sensory nerve damage and muscle and joint damage in the hands and arms.
The longer a worker is exposed to WBV, the greater the risk of causing or worsening health effects and musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain, motion sickness, bone damage, heart stomach and digestive conditions, respiratory, endocrine and metabolic changes, impairment of vision or balance and reproductive organ damage.
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