Analysing worker exposure to WBV at the doñana biological reserve (Spain). A case study

Abstract

Work-related-musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) cause high costs for employers and governments. In addition, they reduce quality of life for millions of workers throughout Europe, both during their working life and retirement. One of the causes of WMSDs is exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV), with WMSDs usually developing over long periods of time. The Doñana Biological Reserve (DBR) in Huelva, Spain is one of the most important infrastructures in the country. Due to the ecosystem the staff must use vehicles with four-wheel drive (4 × 4). The European Directive 2002/44/EC lays down minimum requirements to protect workers from health and safety risks arising from exposure to mechanical vibration. This study analysed DBR workers’ exposure to WMSD in relation to WBV when they drove the most frequently-used 4 × 4 model. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019.