Whole-body Vibration Exposure of Drill Operators in Iron Ore Mines and Role of Machine-Related, Individual, and Rock-Related Factors

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure among large blast hole drill machine operators with regard to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recommended threshold values and its association with machine- and rock-related factors and workers' individual characteristics.MethodsThe study population included 28 drill machine operators who had worked in four opencast iron ore mines in eastern India. The study protocol comprised the following: measurements of WBV exposure [frequency weighted root mean square (RMS) acceleration (m/s2)], machine-related data (manufacturer of machine, age of machine, seat height, thickness, and rest height) collected from mine management offices, measurements of rock hardness, uniaxial compressive strength and density, and workers' characteristics via face-to-face interviews.ResultsMore than 90% of the operators were exposed to a higher level WBV than the ISO upper limit and only 3.6% between the lower and upper limits, mainly in the vertical axis. Bivariate correlations revealed that potential predictors of total WBV exposure were: machine manufacturer (r = 0.453, p = 0.015), age of drill (r = 0.533, p = 0.003), and hardness of rock (r = 0.561, p = 0.002). The stepwise multiple regression model revealed that the potential predictors are age of operator (regression coefficient β = −0.052, standard error SE = 0.023), manufacturer (β = 1.093, SE = 0.227), rock hardness (β = 0.045, SE = 0.018), uniaxial compressive strength (β = 0.027, SE = 0.009), and density (β = –1.135, SE = 0.235).ConclusionPrevention should include using appropriate machines to handle rock hardness, rock uniaxial compressive strength and density, and seat improvement using ergonomic approaches such as including a suspension system.

Preventive action with a population of excavator drivers exposed to whole-body vibration

“…The bucket of the excavator is not a suitable tool for the compacting task. Similar results highlight the significant role of tasks and high levels of exposure when working on rock [ 14, 15 ].…”

“…3]. Working with BRH exposes more to vibration due to the impact of the BRH tool on the material [13,14].…”

Modal Frequency Response Analysis of Human Subject Using Fem

“…Colsonet al [16] studied to look whether whole body vibration intervention is equivalent to warm up exercise procedure perfomed on synchronous platform. Chaudharyet al [17] used a tri-axial seat pad accelerometer to measure the whole body vibrations exposure of blast hole drill operator working in an ore mine and by means of frequency weighted RMS acceleration value, along all three axes the evaluation of WBV was done. Singhet al [18] performed a modal analysis of human body in sitting posture for Indian subjects using LPM (Lumped Parameter Model).…”

Safety-Oriented Multi-Task Approach to Manage Whole-Body Vibration Exposure Among Quarry Operators

“…Many researchers have studied these problems regarding of the employment of various vehicles in the quarry activities with particular attention to haul trucks because of their extensive use in the surface mining industry [17]. Even if the reduced number of field tests prevents any strong conclusion, it appears that the different phases of the LHD (Load-Haul-Dump) cycle are different in terms of effects induced among workers [18]. Moreover vibration amplitudes were greatest in the vertical direction, and particular while the trucks were driven unloaded.…”

“…The first one concerns the source vibration, the vehicle. Some wheel loaders employed in the quarry sites are equipped with ride control systems which reduce the vehicle pitching motion [18] and thereby reduce the fore-and-aft vibration exposure, although no study has been made to quantify their efficiency. Sure enough hydropneumatic suspensions (HPS), owing to their compact design and superior design flexibility, are increasingly being implemented in commercial road and off-road vehicles [21].…”