ASSESSMENT TOOLS, HEALTH EFFECTS, AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXPOSURE AMONG HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Authors

  • Pataraporn Janjamnong Master of Science Program student in Occupational Health and Safety, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
  • Worawan Phoochada Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3911-9725
  • Thanawan Ritthichai Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (T-OSH), (Public Organization), 10170 Bangkok, Thailand
  • Sunisa Chailklieng Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, and Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University

Keywords:

Whole body vibration, Musculoskeletal disorders, Driver, Ergonomics, SERFA

Abstract

            Whole body vibration (WBV) is a hazard for drivers of vehicles and heavy machinery in agricultural and industrial sectors. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize prior research on exposure assessment tools, health impacts, and preventive control management of whole body vibration (WBV) exposure in workers who were at high risk. Scopus, Google scholar and ThaiJo were all searched for research published between 2015 and 2025. Fourteen studies met the requirements, which included high risk occupations, i.e, forklift, tractor drivers, and heavy machinery operators. Those studies employed a vibration meter to directly measure vibration exposure, a musculoskeletal symptoms by interviewed Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) questionnaire, and self-ergonomics risk factors assessment (SERFA) and risk assessment form. Musculoskeletal problems were most affected by the WBV on health impact and preventive control approaches included seat ergonomic study and the development of vibration-reducing driving seats. Further research should be conducted in high-risk occupations for MSDs surveillance and implementation with vibration-reducing seats design on MSDs prevention.

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Published

2025-12-24

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Original article