There is scientific evidence that long-term seated exposure to whole body vibration leads to low back pain and disability. Vibration exposures increase the risk of low back injury in truck drivers as vibration de-sensitizes the neuro-motor system resulting in the inability to accurately sense low back posture. It also limits the driver’s ability to quickly respond to unexpected spinal loading caused by getting in and out of a truck cab or sudden heavy lifting. Truck drivers are also exposed to long work hours and high levels of noise. Cumulatively, the experience often results in injuries and collisions.
The trucking industry is a major employer in Manitoba and truck drivers are the backbone of this industry. The overall objective of this study is to reduce fatigue, low back pain and disability and improve the safety of truck drivers in Manitoba by encouraging the adoption of technology that reduces whole body vibration exposure. This broad objective would be accomplished by establishing evidence based findings specific to the trucking sector in which information on truck-seating combinations and vibration exposures would be made available to carriers.
The findings would allow trucking companies to make informed decisions when purchasing or modifying new or existing vehicles. The findings could also support workplace accommodations during the return-to-work process. The proposed study has the potential to positively impact the health and safety and improve the working environments of truck drivers across the province.