Evaluation of an Innovative Seat Technology to Reduce Workplace Whole Body Vibration Exposure
Project Overview
The Evaluation of an Innovative Seat Technology to Reduce Workplace Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Exposure is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health and safety of workers in industries that rely on light and medium-duty vehicles. WBV, caused by operating vehicles for extended periods, is a major contributor to musculoskeletal disorders, especially lower back pain (LBP). This project will assess the effectiveness of an innovative low-profile seat suspension system, developed by Suspension Systems Technologies (SST), which has shown potential to reduce WBV exposure by up to 50%. Through real-world testing and analysis, this project aims to offer a cost-effective solution that enhances both worker safety and comfort.
Concerns Addressed
Occupational exposure to WBV is a serious health risk, particularly for those who spend long hours operating vehicles such as delivery trucks, shuttle buses, and construction vehicles. Existing vehicle seats often fail to adequately protect workers from vibration, leading to increased rates of LBP and related musculoskeletal disorders. This results in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and high compensation costs for businesses. Traditional solutions focus on vehicle modifications rather than directly addressing the seat design, leaving a critical gap in worker protection.
Image @ https://crosh.ca/
Project Goals and Objectives
- Reduce WBV Exposure: Implement and test the innovative SST seat suspension in various work environments to significantly reduce WBV exposure for drivers.
- Enhance Worker Health: Improve the well-being of vehicle operators by reducing the incidence of LBP and other vibration-related injuries, promoting overall workplace health.
- Economic Impact: Demonstrate the potential for reduced healthcare costs, fewer injury claims, and shorter return-to-work times, offering businesses a smart investment in worker safety.
- Technology Development: Refine and optimize the SST seat suspension technology based on field data, ensuring its effectiveness and scalability for broader industry use.
Funders & Key Stakeholders
- WorkSafeBC: Funding and supporting the project as part of its commitment to workplace injury prevention and worker health.
- UBC School of Population and Public Health: Leading the research, data analysis, and impact assessment.
- Suspension Systems Technologies (SST): Developing and providing the innovative seat suspension technology for testing.
- Industry Partners: Participating in field testing, providing vehicles, and facilitating the practical implementation of the seat suspension technology.
Impact and Deliverables
- Innovative Seat Suspension: Field testing of the SST CounterRide® technology to verify its efficacy in reducing WBV exposure.
- Quantitative Data: Collection and analysis of WBV exposure data from a range of vehicles using different seat types.
- Policy Recommendations: Providing evidence-based guidelines for adopting advanced seat technologies in light- and medium-duty vehicles.
- Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating results through open-access publications, webinars, and industry workshops to influence policy and best practices in vehicle safety.
