Overview
Keywords: Whole body vibration
Timeline: September 2016 -
Researchers: Mallorie Leduc (Primary Investigator, Laurentian University), Tammy Eger (Laurentian University), Alison Godwin (Laurentian University), Jan Buley (Laurentian University), Ron House (University of Toronto), Nancy Lightfoot (Laurentian University)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed Grant
Partners: Domtar, Vale, Workplace Safety North
Sector/Workplace type: Various industries (i.e. mining, pulp and paper, construction, agriculture, forestry and transportation)
Themes:
Theme
4
Interventions
Theme
5
Implementation
Background/rationale
Workers in many industries are exposed to whole body vibration (WBV) as a result of working with machinery which can cause many adverse health effects such as low back and neck musculoskeletal disorders. Since there are few treatment options, education on WBV is critical for prevention. The aim of the vibration toolkit is to give adequate information to workers and other members of the workplace to increase knowledge about WBV and control strategies to prevent injuries.
Research questions/objectives/methods
The research is intended to answer the following question:
What is the impact of an occupational health education intervention program to:
- increase worker and supervisor knowledge of occupational vibration exposure associated musculoskeletal disorders and controls to address the hazard;
- improve worker and supervisor attitudes and behaviour beliefs towards intention to implement control strategies to decrease vibration exposure and;
- to lead to a reduction in worker reported musculoskeletal discomfort associated with exposure to occupational vibration?
An empirical study will be conducted at a mine site in Northern Ontario to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of an intervention program for WBV. The program will occur for 3 months and the team will aim to collect information from 100 workers and supervisors during a one-month period after the intervention. The participants’ knowledge, attitude, behavior and beliefs will be assessed pre intervention and post intervention through a survey.
Key findings
In progress
Implications for the prevention of MSD
In progress
Knowledge dissemination
In progress
For further information please contact Tammy Eger at teger@laurentian.ca.