Work ability in vibration-exposed workers

Abstract

BackgroundHand–arm vibration exposure may cause hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) including sensorineural disturbances.AimsTo investigate which factors had the strongest impact on work ability in vibration-exposed workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study in which vibration-exposed workers referred to a department of occupational and environmental medicine were compared with a randomized sample of unexposed subjects from the general population of the city of Gothenburg. All participants underwent a structured interview, answered several questionnaires and had a physical examination including measurements of hand and finger muscle strength and vibrotactile and thermal perception thresholds.ResultsThe vibration-exposed group (47 subjects) showed significantly reduced sensitivity to cold and warmth in digit 2 bilaterally (P < 0.01) and in digit 5 in the left hand (P < 0.05) and to warmth in digit 5 in the right hand (P < 0.01), compared with the 18 referents. Similarly, tactilometry showed significantly raised vibration perception thresholds among the workers (P < 0.05). A strong relationship was found for the following multiple regression model: estimated work ability = 11.4 − 0.1 × age − 2.3 × current stress level − 2.5 × current pain in hands/arms (multiple r = 0.68; P < 0.001).ConclusionsVibration-exposed workers showed raised vibrotactile and thermal perception thresholds, compared with unexposed referents. Multiple regression analysis indicated that stress disorders and muscle pain in hands/arms must also be considered when evaluating work ability among subjects with HAVS.

Factors affecting finger and hand pain in workers with HAVS

“…Workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) often experience upper extremity pain [1], which is an important predictor of their upper extremity disability [2], work ability [3] and quality of life [4]. Pain in the upper extremities proximal to the hand in HAVS is thought to be due mainly to musculoskeletal disorders associated with the use of vibratory tools, arising either from the transmitted vibration or ergonomic factors [1].…”

Tremor and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in road maintenance workers

“…Typical symptoms include vasospasm of the fingers induced by cold, loss of sensitivity, tingling and paresthesia, and impaired hand function (Heaver et al 2011). Severe HAVS can lead to difficulties in performing everyday activities (Buhaug et al 2014), with lowered work ability and quality of life (Gerhardsson and Hagberg 2014; Sauni et al 2015). HAVS is often diagnosed by clinical examination based on the Stockholm workshop scale (Gemne et al 1987; Brammer et al 1987).…”

Upper extremity neuromotor dysfunction caused by local vibration

“…При длительном воздействии вибрации происходит поражение толстых миелинизированных волокон, отвечающих за тактильное прикосновение, давление и вибрацию. Кроме того, длительное воздействие вибрации может привести к мышечной дисфункции, которая является следствием нарушения чувствительности, изменениям в мышцах или сосудах [17]. Мышцы кисти рук вовлекаются в патологический процесс раньше, чем мышцы предплечья, поэтому оценка силы хвата (сжатия) кисти может использоваться для ранней диагностики мышечной дисфункции, вызванной вибрацией.…”

“…Боль в кисти, нарушение чувствительности вследствие вибрации являются мощнейшим стрессовым фактором, который ведет к снижению производительности труда и нарушению работоспособности. При обследовании рабочих, подвергавшихся воздействию вибрации, L.Gerhardsson и M. Hagberg [17] выявили повышение порогов температурной и вибрационной чувствительности по сравнению с таковыми у рабочих, которые не испытывали действия вибрирации. Увеличение порога вибротактильной чувствительности существенно ухудшает профессиональные навыки, так как снижаются сила сжатия и функция рук.…”