Occupational vibrations: risks and assessment

The law that establishes the minimum health and safety requirements regarding workers’ exposure to risks due to physical agents (vibrations) is Decree-Law no. 46/2006of February 24th.  The law sets out the employer’s responsibilities with regard to exposure to vibrations in the workplace, as well as the exposure and action limit values.

Occupational vibrations are a major concern due to the various dangers they pose to workers and the occupational diseases that are associated.
The consequences of vibrations on the human body depend on 4 factors:

1. points of application on the body

2. oscillation frequency

3. acceleration of oscillations

4. duration of action

Some of the short-term effects of exposure to vibrations:

• muscle pain

• abdominal pain

• nausea

• increased heart rate

• loss of balance

Effects of exposure to vibrations:

• Vascular Disorders (Raynaud’s Syndrome,  which impairs blood supply to the hands due to obstruction of vessels and arteries)

• Neurological disorders (tingling or numbness in fingers and hands)

• Muscle disorders (prolonged exposure can lead to muscle weakness, pain in the hands and arms and decreased muscle strength)

• Lumbar Pain and Back, Shoulder or Neck Disorders (can lead to early degeneration of the spine and herniated discs)

Main sources of vibration at work:

• Breakers;

• Pneumatic hammers;

• Percussion drills;

• Chain saws;

• Sanders;

• Drill hammers;

• Backhoe loader with wheels;

• Agricultural tractor;

• Forklift;

• Excavator;

• Among others.

Workplace Vibration Assessment

For the worker, the benefit of measuring occupational vibration is, above all, to safeguard their health.
For the employer, carrying out occupational vibration measurement is more than fulfilling a legal obligation, it is ensuring a healthy, productive and successful company in the long term.

SEPRI Lab has a serviceat Workplace Vibration Assessment.