Vibration syndrome in railway track maintenance workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Railway maintenance workers frequently use vibrating tools, posing a risk for hand-arm vibration exposure.
• Previous studies suggest a link between occupational vibration and adverse health outcomes in manual laborers.
• Understanding the specific risks in railway maintenance is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify hand-arm vibration exposure among Finnish railway maintenance workers.
• To determine the prevalence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and hand numbness in this occupational group.
• To investigate the relationship between vibration exposure duration and the incidence of these symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 252 railway maintenance workers across three Finnish districts.
• Measurement of hand-arm vibration on tool handlebars, including tamping machines, using ISO 5349 standards.
• Questionnaire assessing the prevalence of VWF and hand numbness, correlated with work duration and tool usage.

Main Results:

• The average annual vibration level was 2.5 m/s², with hand-held tamping machines being a major source (10.6 m/s²).
• 14% of workers reported VWF, and 39% experienced hand numbness, both increasing significantly with work duration.
• Workers primarily using tamping machines showed a higher VWF prevalence compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• This study indicates a significant association between railway track maintenance work and vibration syndrome.
• Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration is a key risk factor for VWF and hand numbness in this population.
• Vascular and nerve hand symptoms cause considerable work-related difficulties for a notable percentage of maintenance workers.