The harmful impact of vibrating tools and machines on human health has been known for a long time, but is frequently underestimated. A distinction is made between whole-body vibrations (i.e. wheel loaders, dredgers or tractors) and hand-arm vibrations (of hand tools). If this hazard is disregarded, vibrations to which the worker’s whole body is exposed may lead to digestive problems, spinal disorders, impairment of visual performance or the sense of balance and cardiovascular diseases. Hand-arm vibrations may give rise to the very painful white-finger disease. Vibration-damping elements between machines and foundations (for stationary machinery), anti-vibration seats in vehicles or vibration-damping gloves may be used.
