Predictors of Whole-Body Vibration Exposure among Indian Bus and Truck Drivers

Heavy vehicle drivers in the Indian road transport industry are generally exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) and shock loading resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their different body parts. Not much work has been done in identifying the contribution of driver's personal and vehicle/road-related factors in the enhancement of vibration and shock exposure. This study has been conducted on 10 bus and 10 truck drivers from Northern India to investigate the role of these factors. Based on previous studies, the factors or predictor variables included were driver's age, body mass index (BMI), driving experience, age of vehicle, mileage, age of tyres, and seat pad thickness. 8-hours vector sum acceleration, i.e., (A(8)s) and vibration dose value, i.e., ( VDV(8)s) of 25% of the drivers were found to be more than upper limit values of ISO 2631-1. The WBV exposure magnitudes of acceleration and vibration dose value were much higher along the vertical z-axis than along the longitudinal x-axis and lateral y-axis. The results of univariate linear regression analysis found both vibrations and shocks to be related to the driver's age, body mass index (BMI), driving experience, vehicle speed, and road roughness. Similar types of results were observed from multiple regression analyses with the only exception that no association was found between BMI and WBV exposure in this case. The results of the study may help the authorities in minimising the risks associated with the driver's profession.