Predictive Analysis
of Whole Body Vibration Exposure of the Hydraulic Rock Breaker Operators working
in Indian Quarries
Vikram P. and Mangalpady Aruna
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(5); 148-152;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/185da1480152; (2025)
Abstract
This study aims to identify the various factors affecting Whole Body Vibration (WBV)
exposure among operators of track-mounted hydraulic rock breakers in mechanized
quarries. The objective is to develop a statistical model that predicts WBV exposure
by considering rock properties, operator’s personal characteristics and equipment
specifications. Data on personal factors, equipment specifications and WBV were
collected from 84 hydraulic rock breaker operators. A univariate analysis was conducted
to determine the association between independent factors and the dependent variable
Vibration Dose Value (VDVz). Significant parameters including experience in mines,
hydraulic working oil pressure, hydraulic oil flow, hammer blow rate and instantaneous
cutting ratio (ICR) were identified. These parameters were then used to develop
a multivariate linear regression model.
The findings of the multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that among
the risk factors, both ICR and hammer blow rate had a negative impact on VDVz. However,
experience in mines and hydraulic working oil pressure positively influenced the
outcome. The most impactful parameters were ICR (-0.67), experience in mines (0.13),
hydraulic working oil pressure (0.097) and hammer blow rate (-0.006). This study
recommends implementing vibration dampers to reduce VDVz while ensuring that ICR
is maintained at a level that does not compromise productivity.
