IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

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January 15, 2025

Evaluation of the whole-body vibration exposure of Montréal subway operators and study of the dynamic behaviour of cars and their suspension system

Abstract

Subway operators complain about the confined space, uncomfortable seats and exposure to vibration, which suggests that the ergonomic constraints and vibration pose health risks, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. Related to an ergonomic study, this project defined the vibrational stresses to which these workers are exposed, characterized the vibration environment of the cars, identified the operational factors likely to influence whole-body vibration exposure levels, and finally, led to the development of seat suspension design criteria for reducing vibration. Significant levels of recorded vibrations for some interstations indicate that efforts to reduce their intensity should be considered. The report describes the requirements relating to the natural frequency and damping characteristics of the seats that could be considered effective in reducing these vibrations, as well as other solutions that could be considered as complementary.

Produced Under this Project

  • Caractérisation de l’exposition à des vibrations globales du corps dans les loges des opérateurs du métro de Montréal

    Boileau P.-É., Boutin J., Pierre Marcotte

    Source :

    in 2e congrès national de l’Association canadienne de recherche en santé au travail - ACRST/CARWH, (2e : 25-26 octobre, 2003 : Montréal, Canada), 2003

  • Assessment of operators exposure to multi-axes whole-body vibration environment of Montreal subway cars

    Boileau P.-É., Rakheja S., Politis H., Boutin J.

    Source :

    in International Conference on Whole-Body Vibration Injuries (3rd : June 7-9, 2005 : Nancy, France), 2005

  • Subway cab improvement approach to relieve problems of discomfort and whole-body vibration

    Beaugrand S., Bellemare M., Boileau P.-É., Larue C., Champoux D., Boutin J.

    Source :

    in Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of the International Ergonomics Association / IEA (16th : July 10-14, 2006 : Maastricht, Netherlands), CD-ROM, Pikaar, R.N., Koningsveld, E.A.P., Settels, P.J.M. (éds), Elsevier, 2006

  • Vibration and tyre force transmissibility of commercial vehicles owing to wheel unbalance and non-uniformity defects

    Deodhar A., Rakheja S., Bhat R. B.

    Source :

    International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, vol. 13, no 3, 2006, p. 212-240

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-2060
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2005
Team:
  • Paul-Émile Boileau (IRSST)
  • Subhash Rakheja (Université Concordia)