Shaking all over: Laurentian researcher brings vibration injuries to forefront.

• Author: Migneault, Jonathan
• Position: MINING

Vibrations have not traditionally been recognized as major health and safety hazards in workplaces, but Laurentian University's Tammy Eger and her colleagues hope to change that perception.

"We're trying to get the message out that yes, vibration is an issue that can lead to medical problems, but there are control strategies in place to address them," said Eger, director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CRUSH) at the university.

In January 2015, Eger will be appointed research chair in occupational health and safety.

On Dec. 2, she and other academics hosted a vibration workshop to inform representatives from different industries--including mining, fabrication and maintenance--about the risks associated with exposure to vibration, and how to reduce that exposure.

Whole body vibration--which starts at the feet, or buttocks from a seated position, and goes through the entire body--can lead to back pain and neck problems.

"Back injuries can get to the point where they're disabling," Eger said.

Working on equipment that vibrates for extended periods--such as haul trucks, bulldozers and load-haul-dump machines--can even affect a person's internal organs.

"Sometimes operators will have problems with their gastrointestinal tract because their internal organs will vibrate at certain frequencies," Eger said.

Mechanical interventions, including improved suspension and better seats, can help reduce exposure to harmful vibrations.

Protective gloves can also reduce exposure to high-frequency vibrations from certain tools.

As part of the Ministry of Labour's ongoing mining safety review, CROSH received two grants--one for $58,836 and the other for $49, 861--to develop an inexpensive tool that can measure a worker's exposure to vibrations, and work on protective equipment, such as mats and special boots, to reduce vibrations.

Eger said vibrations while working at underground drill platforms can lead to blanching of the toes, decreased circulation, and neurological damage in the toes and feet.

Early research has suggested exposure to these vibrations can increase a worker's risk for slip or fall injuries.

CROSH has been working with STC Footwear of Montreal to test different boot materials and see how they...