Guide to the Effects of Vibration on Health - Quantitative or Qualitative Occupational Health and Safety Prevention Guidance? A Scoping Review

This systematic review examined the health risk assessment methods of studies of whole-body vibration exposure from occupational vehicles or machines utilizing the International Standard ISO 2631-1 (1997) and/or the European Machine Directive 2002/44. This review found inconsistent reporting of measurement parameters in studies on whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure. Although many authors tread the ISO 2631-1 HGCZ as a medical health standard with defined threshold levels, there is no epidemiological evidence for these limits. Similarly, the EU Directive offers risk management guidance and numeric limits without supporting evidence. Authors note discrepancies between international and national standards. Future publications should report all relevant parameters from ISO 2631-1 and clearly stating study limitations, exercising caution when applying ISO 2631-1 HGCZ in health and safety assessments. We recommend a qualitative risk management with an emphasis on prevention.