title: Whole body vibration exposure patterns in Canadian prairie farmers.
abstract: Whole body vibration is a significant physical risk factor associated with low back pain. This study assessed farmers' exposure to whole body vibration on the Canadian prairies according to ISO 2631-1. Eighty-seven vibration measurements were collected with a triaxial accelerometer embedded in a rubber seat pad at the operator-seat interface of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combines, pickup trucks, grain trucks, sprayers, swathers, all-terrain vehicles, and skid steers. Whole body vibration was highest in the vertical axis, with a mean (range) frequency-weighted root mean squared acceleration of 0.43 m/s2(0.19-1.06 m/s2). Mean crest factors exceeded 9 in all 3 axes, indicating high mechanical shock content. The vertical axis vibration dose value was 7.55 m/s1.75(2.18-37.59 m/s1.75), with 41.4% of measurements within or above the health guidance caution zone. These high exposures in addition to an ageing agricultural workforce may increase health risks even further, particularly for the low back. Practitioner Summary: Agricultural workers are frequently exposed to whole body vibration while operating farm equipment, presenting a substantial risk to musculoskeletal health including the low back. Assessing vibration exposure is critical in promoting a safe occupational environment, and may inform interventions to reduce farmer's exposure to vibration.
authors: a Department of Community Health and Epidemiology , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
authors: Xiaoke
authors: X
authors: Zeng
authors: b School of Physical and Health Education , Nipissing University , North Bay , Canada.
authors: Aaron M
authors: AM
authors: Kociolek
authors: a Department of Community Health and Epidemiology , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
authors: Muhammad Idrees
authors: MI
authors: Khan
authors: c School of Physical Therapy , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
authors: Stephan
authors: S
authors: Milosavljevic
authors: c School of Physical Therapy , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.|d Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
authors: Brenna
authors: B
authors: Bath
authors: d Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Trask
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002170:Canada; D000067565:Farmers; D065948:Grassland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012525:Saskatchewan; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014732:Vibration
keywords: Agriculture; back pain; machinery; mechanical shock; occupational exposure