Vibration on board and health effects

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Maritime Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Limited knowledge exists regarding ship crews' vibration exposure and associated health risks.
• Seafarers experience hand-arm vibrations similar to land-based trades, but also unique foot vibrations from standing on vibrating surfaces.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between foot vibration exposure and
• white feet
• a condition not yet studied in maritime settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent of vibration exposure among seafarers.
• To explore potential health effects of vibration, including hand-arm, foot, and whole-body vibrations, in the maritime environment.
• To highlight the need for further epidemiological studies on vibration-induced health issues in seafarers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on existing studies of vibration exposure in maritime and land-based settings.
• Analysis of anecdotal reports and existing data on vibration-related health conditions.
• Comparison of vibration assessment methods used in naval architecture versus medical contexts.

Main Results:

• Hand-arm vibration exposure at sea is comparable to land-based trades.
• Seafarers are uniquely exposed to foot vibrations, with potential links to conditions like "white feet".
• Epidemiological evidence for back disorders related to whole-body vibration in seafarers is scarce, unlike in other professions.

Conclusions:

• Seafarers face distinct vibration exposure profiles, necessitating specific occupational health considerations.
• Further research is crucial to quantify maritime vibration exposures and their long-term health consequences.
• Current vibration assessment methods in naval architecture may not adequately inform health risk evaluations for seafarers.