A Comprehensive Review of Whole-Body Vibration Exposure Assessment Among Heavy Earthmoving Equipment Operators in the Mining Industry

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a recognized occupational hazard in the mining industry, particularly for operators of heavy earth-moving machinery (HEMM). Prolonged exposure to WBV is associated with serious health risks. Effective management requires consistent measurements to identify intervention priorities, but significant variability exists due to differing assessment methods. This systematic review evaluates WBV assessment techniques in mining, examining sources of variability to inform future research. It identifies causative and associative factors, highlights research gaps, and proposes context-specific solutions to address them. Relevant studies were sourced from databases including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Using PRISMA guidelines, 34 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings were systematically analyzed to derive key insights. WBV assessments showed significant variability, influenced by factors such as equipment type, operational conditions, task-specific elements, measurement methods, and standards used. Additional inconsistencies arose from varying sample sizes and methodological approaches across studies. This underscores the need for standardized assessment methods and uniform data collection practices. Comprehensive assessment of all influencing factors is essential to pinpoint variability sources. This review helps industries in enhancing workers' safety, reducing long-term health risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance, which promotes a safer and more sustainable working environment. Improvements in cabin design and the implementation of ergonomic seats within the operating environment, capable of effectively attenuating vibrations, should be prioritized. Further research is further needed to explore strategies for reducing vibration-related health risks.