Evaluation of Transmissibility Properties of Anti-Fatigue Mats Used by Workers Exposed to Foot-Transmitted Vibration

Miners can be exposed to foot-transmitted vibration when operating locomotives, bolters, jumbo drills and/or drills attached to platforms workers also stand on. Case reports suggest miners are reporting pain, discomfort and blanching in the toes more often than their co-workers who are not exposed to vibration via the feet (Choy et al., 2008; Thompson et al., 2010). A recent field study reported considerable differences in the dominant frequency associated with locomotive operation (3.15-6.3 Hz) compared to drilling or 'bolting off' from platforms (31.5-40 Hz) (Leduc et al, 2010), suggesting a rationale for greater reports of vibration-induced white feet in workers with a history of exposure to higher frequency vibration at the feet. Although little is known about the resonant frequency of the foot, researchers have suggested the hands and fingers are at a greater risk of injury when exposed to frequencies in the range of 20-25 Hz, and greater than 100Hz, respectively (Dong et al., 2004). Given the anatomical similarity between structures of the feet and the hand, it is reasonable to hypothesize that workers exposed to frequencies in this range could be more susceptible to vibration-induced white feet.