The operators of excavators often suffer from dreadful Whole-Body Vibration. Besides, the operators are subject to postural instability which is considered to be a serious occupational health hazard. The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of Lumbar Support Cushion in mitigation of Whole-Body Vibration and postural instability under three different operating conditions such as Front-Manipulator Motion, Swing Motion and Propel-Drive Motion. The obtained Vibration Dose Value reveals a significant difference between the operation cycle ( p < 0.001). Moreover, across the operation cycle with Lumbar Support Cushion a significant decrease in Vibration Dose Value (8) is observed on the operator seat-pan and backrest ( p < 0.05). Further, the effect of Whole-Body Vibration on physiological stress factors, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure by 1.26%, pulse rate by 2.75% and Rate Pressure Product by 4%, is observed with the use of Lumbar Support Cushion ( p < 0.05) during the operation. The Lumbar Support Cushion helps in promoting a symmetric seating posture, and using Lumbar Support Cushion could help the excavator operator to increase in productivity during shift hour.

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Introduction: In the mining industry, the dumper vehicle plays a vital role in material handling tasks. During the various operations, the dumper operators are subjected to Whole-Body Vibrations(WBV) which also affects their physiological factors. The present study investigates the dumper operator discomfort during various dumper operations such as Material-Loading(ML), Loaded-Travel(LT), Material-Unloading(MU) and Unloaded-Travel(UT). Methodology: The experimental study is carried out in iron ore opencast mine with a 25 number of operators volunteered to participate in this ergonomic assessment, and the evaluation is performed as per ISO 2631:1 Results: During the ML, and MU task, the measured crest factor value is greater than the recommended values. However, the measured aw(8) and VDV(8) magnitude are within the HGCZ limit. In the LT, it is observed that the VDV is within the limit of HGCZ, although the measured value is 4.08 times greater than MU task. The maximum WBV is observed during the UT, and the measured value of VDV falls above the HGCZ limit, and experience a greater amplification of source vibration at 1.6Hz. Moreover, the demand for the operation cycle increases the risk of neck pain and back pain among the study population. Further, operators immediately after the WBV exposure showed a significant increase in Heart Rate by 2.04 bpm. Whereas, no significant influence on the increase in blood pressure (SYS/DIA: 1.56/0.72 mmHg) and a decrease in oxygen saturation level (SpO2) by 1% was observed. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study reveals that the prolonged sitting and constant experience of WBV force the operator to change the posture more frequent. The combined effect of WBV with asymmetric posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Practical Applications: The experimental findings support the health and safety officer to make a productive work plan for labour workforce to reduce health-related risk from WBV exposures.