Vibration related symptoms and signs in quarry and foundry workers

Abstract

Purpose The development of vascular and neurosensory findings were studied in two groups of long-term exposed quarry and foundry workers with different vibration exposures, working conditions and work tasks. Methods The study included 10 quarry workers (mean age 43 yrs., mean exposure time 16 yrs.) and 15 foundry workers (35 yrs.; 11 yrs.) at two plants in Sweden. All participants completed a basic questionnaire and passed a medical examination including a number of neurosensory tests, e.g. the determination of vibration (VPT) and temperature (TPT) perception thresholds as well as a musculoskeletal examination of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Results A high prevalence of neurosensory findings (40%) was found among the quarry workers. Both groups, however, showed a low prevalence of vibration white fingers (VWF). Foundry workers showed significantly better sensitivity than quarry workers for all monofilament tests (p ≤ 0.016), TPT warmth in dig 2 (p = 0.048) and 5 dexter (p = 0.008), and in dig 5 sinister (p = 0.005). They also showed a better VPT performance in dig 5 dexter (p = 0.031). Conclusions Despite high vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF was low. The high prevalence of neurosensory findings among the quarry workers may depend on higher A(8) vibration exposure and higher exposure to high-frequency vibrations. An age-effect and exposure to cold could also be contributing factors. The nervous system seems to be more susceptible to high-frequency vibrations than the vascular system. For neurosensory injuries, the current ISO 5349-1 standard is not applicable.

Identification of work‐related injuries among Dhokra handicraft artisans influencing sustainable growth of bell metal handicraft industry: An unorganized sector of Chhattisgarh, India

“…Studies in the industrial sector have found neurological and vascular disorders due to use of power tools (Figure 2), where blood vessels are damaged (Cederlund et al, 2001; Gerhardsson et al, 2021) Due to Hand‐arm Vibration (HAV), muscles and tissues of the hand are poorly affected, which increases the chances of disabilities during work (Barr & Barbe, 2004; Winkelstein, 2004). In a motorcycle chassis production firm, it was found that injuries and accident rates are high due to the loss of sensation of the hands (Forouharmajd et al, 2017).…”