What is this document?
INDG242 provides guidance for employers on controlling back pain risks from whole-body vibration (WBV). Whole-body vibration occurs when vibration is transmitted through the seat or feet of workers who drive vehicles or operate machinery.
Long-term exposure to WBV can cause or worsen back pain. This is a particular concern in industries where workers regularly drive off-road vehicles, operate industrial trucks, or use vibrating machinery.
Who needs to read this?
- Employers with workers who drive vehicles or operate mobile machinery
- Fleet managers responsible for vehicle selection and maintenance
- Agricultural businesses using tractors and farm machinery
- Construction companies operating diggers, dumpers, and rollers
- Warehouse and logistics operators using forklift trucks
- Quarry and mining operators with heavy plant machinery
Key points covered
The guide covers essential aspects of WBV management:
- What whole-body vibration is and how it affects the back
- Industries at higher risk including agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and warehousing
- Legal requirements under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- Exposure action and limit values you must work within
- Practical control measures to reduce vibration exposure
- Vehicle and seat selection to minimise vibration transmission
- Protecting vulnerable workers who may be particularly sensitive to WBV
How this applies to you
Consider whether your workers regularly drive vehicles or operate machinery that could expose them to WBV. Key factors include the type of vehicle, road or ground surface conditions, and duration of daily exposure.
The regulations set an exposure action value of 0.5 m/s2 A(8) at which you should introduce measures to reduce exposure. The exposure limit value of 1.15 m/s2 A(8) should not be exceeded.
Practical measures include maintaining vehicles and seats properly, improving road and yard surfaces, selecting vehicles with effective suspension systems, and limiting driving time. Train drivers in techniques that reduce vibration exposure, such as slowing down over rough terrain.
Pay particular attention to workers with existing back problems, as they may be more vulnerable to WBV effects. Monitor symptoms and respond promptly to reports of back pain.
For guidance on hand-arm vibration from power tools, see INDG175. For broader information on manual handling risks, refer to our manual handling topic guide.