EFFECTIVENESS OF SEAT CUSHION AND ENGINE SPEED CONTROL IN REDUCING WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXPOSURE AMONG TRACTOR DRIVERS
Keywords:
Whole-Body Vibration, Tractor Drivers, Agricultural ActivitiesAbstract
This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of engine speed control and vibration-absorbing seat materials on reducing whole-body vibration (WBV) among Tractor Drivers in Changhan District, Roi Et Province. Thirty farmers were selected using simple random sampling. The instruments consisted of (1) the Musculoskeletal Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ) to assess frequency and severity of discomfort in the past month, and (2) the SVANTEX SV 106 vibration analyzer, calibrated and installed according to ISO 2631-1 and EU Directive 2002/44/EC standards. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results showed that musculoskeletal discomfort was most prevalent in the lower back (60.00%), followed by calves (43.33%) and neck (33.33%). Controlling the engine speed at 1,600 rpm reduced Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) to 0.90 m/s2, compared with 2,200 and 2,400 rpm. Installation of silicone and nitrile composite seat materials significantly reduced WBV under all conditions of moving on a paved road and moving on a farm plot during ploughing (P<0.05). In conclusion, both engine speed reduction and vibration-absorbing seat modifications are effective interventions to minimize WBV exposure among tractor operators. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomics seat design in agricultural tractors and support preventive measures to promote long-term health and safety among farmers.
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