Safety initiative for transport and logistics sector workers

How to reduce vibration risks to road transport drivers by ensuring work vehicles are properly maintained and have effective suspension.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched a new campaign in the transport and logistics sector to raise awareness of the risk to drivers from Whole-Body Vibration (WBV).

The campaign, scheduled to last until March 2025, will see inspectors visit companies in the sector to offer information and preventative advice.

WBV is the shaking or jolting of the human body caused by transmission of vibrations through the seat or feet of employees who drive mobile machines, or other work vehicles, over rough or uneven surfaces as a main part of their job.

HSENI is calling on the sector to help safeguard workers by complying with legislation requiring that they:

• assess the vibration risk to employees
• if necessary, introduce a programme of controls to eliminate or reduce daily exposure
• decide if workers are exposed above the prescribed daily exposure limit value and if necessary, take immediate action to reduce their exposure below the limit value
• provide information and training on health risks and controls to employees at risk
• involve relevant trade union safety representative(s) or employee representative(s) in discussions about the risks and any necessary actions
• keep a record of risk assessment and control actions
• review and update risk assessments regularly

Find out more about the campaign and how to get involved.

First published 2 December 2024