About SHIP Project
Project Description Truck drivers suffer from numerous health issues, predominantly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the low back. These MSDs have been strongly associated with exposure to whole body vibration (WBV). In SHIP project, we will conduct a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Whole Body Vibration Intervention in Truck Drivers. Over one year period, prospectively compare WBV exposures in truck drivers using an industry standard air-ride seat (control, n = 20) and a new electromechanically active vibration cancelling seat (intervention, n = 20). In parallel, prospectively compare truck driver health and body pain to determine whether there are differences in driver health outcomes between the control and intervention seat. SHIP project will determine if reducing WBV exposure will improve the health and safety oftrucker drivers in Washington State and the United States.
Project Benefits There are more than 50 trucking companies in Washington state that employ over 48,000 workers. With the high rate of musculoskeletal disorders in the low back among truck drivers, and the association between WBV and these disorders, it is becoming increasingly important to characterize how existing engineering controls can potentially prevent or attenuate adverse effects caused by WBV. Data from the randomized control trial design of this project can provide a sound basis for best practices with respect to truck seat designs to reduce whole body vibration exposures, and promote health among truck drivers, directly. In addition, the transportation and distribution of commercial and industrial goods touches every single business in Washington state, regardless of size. A healthy transportation workforce lays the groundwork on which a healthy state economy can thrive. Moreover, the exposure assessment results will likely be of great interest to others in the transportation, engineering, ergonomics, and occupational health fields and we plan to disseminate our findings across both academic and industry trade conferences, as well as through scholarly publications.
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