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Vibration exposure and symptoms in postal carriers using motorbikes
1Institute for Science of Labour, Kawasaki, Japan.
Nagoya Journal of Medical Science
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Postal carriers exposed to high levels of hand-arm vibration (HAV) from motorbikes showed increased white finger symptoms. The study suggests a vibration exposure limit of over 2 m/s² (4-hour equivalent) for these workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Vibration Science
Background:
- Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a significant occupational hazard for motorbike users.
- White finger symptoms are commonly associated with vibration exposure and cold conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vibration exposure in postal carriers using motorbikes.
- To correlate vibration and cold exposure with white finger symptom incidence.
- To inform hand-arm vibration exposure limits.
Main Methods:
- Assessed vibration exposure levels in postal carriers.
- Monitored white finger symptom manifestations.
- Estimated 4-hour equivalent frequency-weighted vibration acceleration.
Main Results:
- The group with the highest daily vibration exposure (estimated >2 m/s²) exhibited a greater incidence of white finger.
- Observed symptom changes correlated with motorbike anti-vibration measures.
- This high-exposure group also showed signs of cold-exposure-induced white finger.
Conclusions:
- A 4-hour equivalent frequency-weighted vibration acceleration limit exceeding 2 m/s² is suggested.
- Both vibration and cold exposure contribute to white finger in postal carriers.
- Findings support the need for stricter vibration control measures for motorbike-based postal delivery.