Research code: 186/p9/1403
Ethics code: IR.ESFARAYENUMS.REC.1403.017
Mehri A, Mousavi Kordmiri S H, Ansari Moghadam A, Dolatabadi , F S, Mostaghimi D. Investigation of the Association between Whole-Body Vibration Exposure and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Construction Machinery Operators. johe 2025; 12 (1) :33-40
URL:
http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-989-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran , hojatmk66@yahoo.com
3- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Student Research Committee, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
5- Department of Health, Safety, and Environment Management, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Abstract: (1458 Views)
Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems, with whole-body vibration (WBV) recognized as a significant contributing factor. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between WBV exposure and musculoskeletal discomfort among operators of construction machinery.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 construction machinery operators were evaluated. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess discomfort levels, and WBV was measured using the SV106D device in accordance with ISO 2631 standards. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression tests.
Results: The mean vibration acceleration was measured at 0.54 ± 0.37 m/s², which was below the national 8-hour exposure limit. Nevertheless, 65.3% of the participants reported moderate discomfort and 2% reported severe discomfort. The neck, lower back, and shoulders showed the highest levels of discomfort. A positive and significant correlation was observed between musculoskeletal discomfort scores and WBV (r=0.521, P<0.001), work experience (r=0.410, P<0.001), and age (r=0.271, P=0.001). In the multiple regression model, WBV alone predicted 27.8% of the variance in musculoskeletal discomfort scores, which increased to 42% after adding work experience and age.
Conclusion: Even exposure to WBV below permissible limits, if prolonged and under poor ergonomic conditions, can lead to considerable musculoskeletal discomfort.