Exposure to shock and vibration and symptoms in workers using impact power tools

In The Netherlands damage to health due to occupational exposure to shock and vibration is seldom reported. A survey was therefore made of the nature, extent and severity of exposure to shock and vibration. This paper presents the results of an epidemiological study, by questionnaire, among workers using impact power tools. Data were collected about exposure time, symptoms and the subjective workload. A prevalence rate of 17% for symptoms of white finger was found. In the logistic regression symptoms of back pain showed an increased prevalence with increasing total time exposed to vibration. This study shows that exposure to vibration due to working with impact power tools, either alone or in combination with ergonomically bad working conditions, probably contributes to these symptoms. An estimate of the population at risk showed that over 30000 workers in The Netherlands who use impact power tools are exposed to a vibration intensity of 10-40 m s^-2. This intensity exceeds the standards advocated in draft standards in the U.K. (BSI, 1987) and U.S.A. (ACGIH, 1984).The results also provide evidence that in The Netherlands exposure to hand-arm vibration damages health. It is suggested that damage to health due to occupational exposure to vibration is underestimated by the Dutch occupational health services. It was concluded that more investigation is needed to evaluate the precise nature of occupational exposure to vibration in order to provide a basis for its reduction or elimination.