Diagnosis of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) related Disorders in Transportation Workers

Introduction: Intense and prolonged occupational whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure in vehicle operators can lead to non-specific health complaints or to debilitating physical disorders. However, health care providers and safety professionals often do not recognize such occupational injuries, exposure measurements appear complicated and such injuries tend to be under-reported in transportation workers. Method: Review of peer-reviewed clinical studies and publications, medical evidence, differential diagnostic evaluation protocols, surveillance programs and intervention recommendations regarding WBV. Results: There is convincing epidemiological evidence that intense and prolonged exposures to WBV can result in musculo-skeletal or neurological disorders of the spine. Less frequently organ damage has been reported including the intestinal organs, vascular system and other body parts. In some countries WBV caused back injuries are compensable. However, many physicians and occupational safety and health experts seem not to be familiar with the wide spectrum of health complaints and the proper evaluation of WBV-exposed patients. The causal diagnosis should be based on medical findings, a differential diagnostic methodology and supportive work exposure assessment. Conclusion: A proper WBV-related injury diagnosis includes a critical review of the work history, exposure data assessment and the clinical differential diagnostic evaluation. Many health care providers receive little or no training in occupational medicine and recognition of WBV related injuries. The aims of WBV health surveillance are to assess health status and improve the diagnosis of vibration-induced disorders at an early stage, to inform the workers on the potential risk associated with vibration exposure, to give preventive advice to employers and employees.