Assessment of hand-arm vibration syndrome in Polish workers: results from a questionnaire study

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a significant occupational health issue, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HAVS (vascular and neurological components) among men exposed to local vibrations in their workplace. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 326 men aged 25-45 years, each with at least 5 years of experience using vibration tools. Results indicated that nearly 40% of participants reported at least one symptom of HAVS, with symptoms being more common among those working with vibration tools for more than 10 years or more than 20 h per week. Notably, 75% of respondents believed they were well informed by their employers about the health risks of local vibrations, and workers who considered themselves well-informed reported symptoms more frequently than those who did not. These findings underscore the importance of self-awareness and education in the prevention and early detection of HAVS.