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Health surveillance
Published in Greta Thornbory, Susanna Everton, Contemporary Occupational Health Nursing, 2017
Hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), formerly known as vibration white finger, is caused by prolonged exposure of the hand–arm system to mechanical vibration, which can cause vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal injury. With repeated and prolonged exposure to vibration the individual will experience intermittent ‘attacks’ of spasm in the fingers causing the blood flow to stop and the affected area to turn white. This may last for up to 30 minutes initially, but as the condition worsens the attacks are more frequent and eventually can lead to the ulceration of the skin and gangrene (very similar to Raynaud’s disease). Neurologically, there is a progressive numbness and tingling in the fingers and joints with loss of sensation and consequent inability to have normal hand function. Vibration increases the likelihood of the individual developing a musculoskeletal disorder. It is estimated that about five million workers in the UK are exposed to vibration at work.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Published in Ken Addley, MCQs, MEQs and OSPEs in Occupational Medicine, 2023
Long-term, regular exposure to hand–arm vibration (HAV) is known to lead to potentially permanent and debilitating health effects known as hand–arm vibration syndrome, vibration white finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. Which one of the following clinical tests is not useful in a HAVS clinical assessment?
Lifetime vibration dose correlates with severity of the neurological component of hand-arm vibration syndrome among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2021
Asraf Ahmad Qamruddin, Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain, Muhd Yusof Sidek, Muhd Hafiz Hanafi, Zaidi Mohd Ripin, Nizam Ali
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a disorder of the vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems of the upper limbs associated with prolonged and repeated exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) [1]. Workers mainly in the manufacturing, mining, forestry and construction industries are at risk of developing HAVS as their work involves handling of pneumatic and electric vibrating tools [2]. Available local evidence for construction workers, grass cutters, foresters and traffic police riders states that HAVS is a major occupational health problem for Malaysian workers, with a prevalence ranging between 15 and 30% [3–5]. Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and lack of good-quality public transportation in most major cities, the number of cars in Malaysia has been increasing rapidly [6]. Therefore, there has been an increase in demand for car maintenance services, including tyre services. Tyre shop workers use an impact wrench to tighten and loosen the nuts on the wheel during their daily work, which exposes them to HAV.
Musculoskeletal complications of hand–arm vibration syndrome among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2022
Asraf Ahmad Qamruddin, Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain, Mohd Yusof Sidek, Muhd Hafiz Hanafi, Zaidi Mohd Ripin, Nizam Ali
Hand–arm vibration (HAV) is a term that describes the vibration transmitted from vibrating tools, machinery or workplace equipment into the hands, arms, shoulders and necks of the operator [1]. Prolonged exposure to HAV has been associated with the development of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) [2]. Workers in the manufacturing, mining, forestry, automotive and construction industries face an increased risk of developing HAVS, as their work involves handling pneumatic and electric vibrating tools [1]. Globally, the prevalence of HAVS is believed to range from 2.5% to more than 80%, depending on the duration and magnitude of vibrations, the type of vibration and climatic factors [3].