Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration in bus drivers in a part of the Great Area Metropolitan, Costa Rica

In Costa Rica there are more than 85 bus companies dedicated to public transport of people, so there is a considerable number of bus drivers who are exposed to vibrations. The objective of the study was to determine the occupational exposure to whole body vibration in bus drivers in the GAM, by means of the valuation of factors such as location of the engine, year of manufacture and type of seat suspension. The REBA methodology was also applied to evaluate working positions. Levels of daily exposure to vibrations were found between 0.2690 m/s(2) and 0.9010 m/s(2), exceeding in most cases the action level. The year of manufacture and use of suspension in the seat, proved to be determinants of exposure to vibrations with 95% d. confidence (P = 0.03 and P = 0.002), so there is a risk of suffering health problems. Back and knee pain were the most reported ailments, however, from the evaluation with the REBA method, the action levels calculated were from 0 to 1, for a risk level between negligible and low. It is recommended to reduce the exposure times of the drivers, preventive and corrective maintenance of the units and replacement by new units with a motor behind, when it is possible.