Who is at risk from whole-body vibration?

Drivers of heavy industrial vehicles, such as tractors, lorries and forklift trucks, and operators of vibrating machinery.

How can whole-body vibration damage my health?

Back injury can be caused by vibrations through the body. Regular exposure to WBV can lead to damage and back pain. The longer the exposure, the greater the chance that you will suffer a back injury.

Back injury is significantly more likely among workers exposed to whole-body vibration if they are using unsprung seats. Damped seats reduce the risk of spinal damage.

Exposure to WBV itself is not the only cause of back pain. As the HSE's leaflet In the driving seat points out, other factors increase the likelihood of back pain, including:

• Poor and awkward driving posture, such as looking behind at a furrow while driving a tractor.
• Poor design of controls.
• Poor visibility.
• Related activities, such as heavy lifting.