GIS-based framework to manage Whole-Body Vibration exposure

Abstract

A large number of workers are exposed to Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on a daily basis. In the construction sector, the risk associated with vibration exposure is high as driving vehicles in areas with unpaved-roads or uneven surfaces is a very common activity. Drivers may be exposed to high levels of WBV, which may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Accordingly, this study developed a GIS-based methodological framework to reduce and manage WBV exposure in the process of routes design. The framework, providing the optimal route using a least-cost path analysis using the optimising criteria of travelled time and WBV exposure, was established. The methods set out in EU-Directive 2002/44/EC and ISO2631-5:2018 are applied. A case study was conducted in order to illustrate the proposed methodological framework. The information provided by the framework can be used by the construction companies and safety management to protect construction workers from excessive WBV exposure.