Predictive Analysis of Whole Body Vibration Exposure of the Hydraulic Rock Breaker Operators working in Indian Quarries

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. © 2025, World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved.