Whole body vibration and the snowmobile

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Biomechanics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Whole body vibration (WBV) exposure from snowmobiles is a potential occupational hazard.
• Driver back pain is prevalent, yet often not linked to vibration by the drivers themselves.
• Existing literature suggests a connection between shock vibration and spinal injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify whole body vibration (WBV) exposure from snowmobiles over a decade.
• To assess the risk of WBV exposure based on established standards.
• To identify areas for technical improvement in snowmobile design.

Main Methods:

• Measured whole body vibration (WBV) from the seat and footboard of 11 snowmobiles over 10 years.
• Administered questionnaires to drivers regarding pain and perceived health hazards.
• Evaluated vibration risk using the ISO standard for frequency-weighted acceleration.

Main Results:

• Frequency-weighted acceleration ranged from 1 to 6.1 m/s², indicating potential risk.
• Vibration levels were particularly high on snowmobile tracks.
• Speed, terrain unevenness, and damping properties influenced vibration levels.

Conclusions:

• Snowmobile WBV exposure poses a significant risk, as predicted by ISO standards.
• Technical properties of snowmobiles, including seat damping and design, require greater attention.
• Improvements are necessary to reduce vibration exposure and protect driver health, particularly spinal health.