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Vibration and its effects on the body
Halim Issever1, Cihan Aksoy, Hilim Sabuncu
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. hissever@instanbul.edu.tr
Summary
Machine-induced vibration significantly impacts workers, causing pain and other health issues. Implementing technical and medical precautions is crucial to prevent occupational diseases from vibration exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Occupational exposure to machine-induced vibration is a growing concern.
- Understanding the health effects of vibration is critical for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the health impacts of machine-induced vibration on workers.
- To identify effective preventive measures against vibration-induced trauma.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 114 workers: 50 rock drillers and 64 heavy vehicle operators.
- 54 office workers served as a control group, age-matched to the study participants.
- Subjective symptoms were assessed using a 38-item questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Rock drill workers reported significantly higher rates of finger pain, cold sensitivity, nocturnal finger pain, and reduced static grip strength.
- Increased prevalence of wrist-elbow pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, and hearing difficulties were observed in rock drillers.
- Heavy vehicle operators also showed more symptoms than office workers, though generally less than rock drillers.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged exposure to vibration can lead to significant negative physical effects and occupational diseases.
- Technical and medical interventions are essential to protect workers from both whole-body and hand-arm vibrations.