title: [WBV risk in maritime and port operators].
abstract: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is the shaking or jolting of the human body through a supporting surface, usually a seat or floor. The risk from vibration is related to the overall time the operator or driver is exposed to the vibration and the number of shocks and jolts they experience each day. In the 27 countries of Europe the EC Physical Agents Directive, effective 6th July 2010, requires all employers to control exposure to a number of hazards including noise and vibration. The EC Vibration Directive sets out regulations for the control of health and safety risks from the exposure of workers to hand arm vibration (HAV) and whole body vibration (WBV) in the workplace. The maritime sector needs to comply: high exposure WBV levels can be found when operating RIBs and High Speed Craft. Marine sectors affected by Whole Body Vibration (WBV) include military, search & rescue, government agencies, local authorities, police, water sports, oil & gas, thrill ride, charter and all organisations operating boats, RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and High Speed Craft.
authors.affiliation: ASL 7 Siena - Laboratorio di Sanità Pubblica - Settore Agenti Fisici, Siena, Italy. i.pinto@usl7.toscana.it
authors.forename: Iole
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stacchini
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009326:Naval Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012306:Risk; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*