Objectives: To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention
programme on whole-body vibration (WBV) in forklift truck drivers.
Methods: An experimental pretest/post-test control group study design. The authors trained occupational
health services (OHS) in the experimental group in the use of the programme. OHS in the control group
were asked to deliver care as usual. In total, 15 OHS, 32 OHS professionals, 26 companies, and 260
forklift drivers were involved. Post-test measurements were carried out one year after the start of the
programme.
Results: Baseline data before the start of the programme showed no difference between experimental and
control group. Results of the outcome evaluation indicate a slight, although not statistically significant,
reduction of WBV exposure in the experimental group (p = 0.06). Process evaluation revealed a positive
influence on company policy toward WBV, attitude and intended behaviour of forklift drivers, and a trend
towards an increase in knowledge of OHS professionals and company managers. The number of
observed control measures with a major impact (levelling of surface and reduction of speed) was rather
low. In those cases where control measures had been taken, there was a significant reduction in WBV
exposure. This limited effect of the programme might be caused by the short period of follow up and the
dropout of participants. The feasibility and the usefulness of the programme within the OHS setting were
rated good by the participants.
Conclusions: This programme to decrease WBV exposure was partially effective. Significant effects on
intermediate objectives were observed. More research on the effectiveness of intervention in the field of
WBV is needed.
