Zero vibration-related injuries in the metal industry

Purpose and Goals

The NollVib Metall project aims to eliminate vibration injuries in the metal and mining industry – today the most common occupational disease in the sector. By combining technology development, measurement and organizational change work, the project will create long-term sustainable work environments. The goal is to reduce vibration exposure in participating companies and establish working methods that can be spread nationally and internationally.

Challenges

Handheld vibrating tools cause extensive and often chronic injuries. Despite technological advances, the problem has remained largely unchanged for many years. High vibration levels, a lack of data on high-frequency shock vibrations and limited knowledge among organizations mean that injuries continue to occur. The new EU Machinery Regulation 2027 also requires shock vibrations to be declared – an area where measuring equipment and knowledge are currently lacking.

Solutions

The project develops and implements vibration reduction technologies on central machines in the metal industry, including through adaptation of RISE's ATVA technology and further development of a vibration isolating material. At the same time, a pre-industrial version of the RVM20 measurement system is being developed, which can record both ISO vibrations and high-frequency shock vibrations and is connected to a cloud service for follow-up at an individual level. The work is complemented by workshops, training materials and organizational support to anchor the change.

Effects

The project is expected to reduce vibration injuries, improve the working environment and strengthen the competitiveness of participating companies. At a societal level, it contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 by promoting decent working conditions and a sustainable industry. The results also form the basis for future standards and limit values ​​for shock vibrations, and can form the basis for wider dissemination within Europe and other industries. In the long term, the project can help the industry achieve the goal of zero vibration injuries.