Obiettivo Aims of project: Open-cast coal mining necessitates the use of a large number of vehicles, the drivers of which are subjected to vibration. Although the biomechanical damage they suffer is not specific (pains in the back or neck etc.), the risk is well-established. The purpose of this research project is to study the risk to which vehicle drivers are exposed, firstly by monitoring their health from the time they start in the job and secondly by measuring the vibration generated by vehicles during use. This approach leads to: more extensive information on the vibration generated by open-cast mine vehicles, particularly dump trucks, more accurate assessment of the exposure of vehicle drivers to vibration. An attempt must then be made to reduce the risk of biomechanical damage. Method: Information on vehicle drivers and the effects of vibration Medical examinations on recruitment or assignment to the job and regular annual examinations provide a lot of information on the development of drivers' health. Statistical processing of the data contained in medical files has permitted comparisons with a carefully selected reference group in order to identify the disorders and health problems associated with driving the vehicles. Information on working conditions and vibration The vibration to which drivers are subjected depends on the task in hand and the conditions under which it is undertaken. The main factors to be taken into consideration, apart from the technical features and maintenance of the vehicle, are the state of the tracks used, travelling speeds (both loaded and unloaded), and the driver's posture. Posture is determined by the design of the driver's cab or driving position and the demands of the job in hand, particularly the visual acquisition of information on the area through which the vehicle is moving. Working time is also important, as it determines the duration of exposure. Research into possible improvements More detailed knowledge of the mechanical vibration affecting open-cast vehicles and their drivers has directed research towards looking for technical solutions (maintenance of vehicle suspension, suitable seats, etc.), improving conditions for driving (state of tracks) and making changes in the organisation of working time. It will be possible, by referring to existing standards and recommendations, to establish requirements to be included in the specifications for new vehicle orders. Aims of the research: Around 100 vehicle drivers are employed at open-cast mines operated by the HouillSres du Centre et du Midi. They are all exposed to mechanical vibration. The risk of biomechanical damage to which these drivers are subjected must be alleviated by designing and testing technical and organisational solutions aimed at reducing exposure. An assessment of the situation before and after should make it possible to improve working conditions for open-cast mine vehicle drivers, whilst at the same time improving productivity. Programma(i) ECSC-ERGONOM 5C - Fifth programme (ECSC) "Ergonomics research for the steel and coal industries", 1985-1989 Argomento(i) Data not available Invito a presentare proposte Data not available Meccanismo di finanziamento Data not available Coordinatore Charbonnages de France Contributo UE Nessun dato Indirizzo 11, rue du Casino 57802 Freyming-Merlebach Francia Mostra sulla mappa Costo totale Nessun dato
