Hand-arm Vibration Research Articles

Evaluation of hand-arm vibration (HAV)exposure among groundskeepers in the southeastern United States.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate daily hand-arm vibration (HAV)exposure among groundskeepers, characterize power tools used, and estimate lifetime cumulative HAV exposure dose. Seventeen groundskeepers and ten office workers employed at two US southeasterrn institutions were recruited as a target exposure group and a reference group, respectively. A 6-dexposure assessment of HAV was scheduled, and vibration dosimeters were used to obtain daily vibration exposure value, A(8). Information on power tools used and corresponding operation duration was recorded to assign the real-time vibration data collected from the dosimeters for tool characterization in terms of vibration total value (ahv) and frequency. Lifetime cumulative exposure dose, ahv-lifetime, was determined using ahv for all tools used and lifetime exposure duration obtained through a questionnaire. The individual groundskeepers' average A(8) ranged from0.8 to 2.6 and from1.0 to 2.6 m/s2 for the right hand and left hands, respectively. Among 11 power tools used by the groundskeepers, grass trimmers contributed the most to the vibration exposure. The average ahv of the individual tools ranged from 8.0 (chainsaws) to 1.9 m/s2 (seating mowers and handheld blowers) for the right hand and from 6.4 (push mowers) to 1.4 m/s2 (backpack blowers) for the left hand. The highest acceleration peak of grass trimmers, edgers, backpack blowers, pole saws, riding blowers, and hedgers was observed between 100 and 200 Hz while riding mowers, seating mowers, push mowers, and chainsaws showed the highest acceleration peak at lower frequencies (≤63.5 Hz). The groundskeepers' average ahv-lifetime was 76,520.6 and 61,955.5 h m/s2 for the right and left hands, respectively. The average ahv-lifetime of office workers was 2,306.2 and 2,205.8 h m/s2 for the right and left hands, respectively, which was attributed to personal hobby activities. Three groundskeepers' average A(8) reached 2.5 m/s2, the Action Limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The highest contribution to the vibration exposure was observed during grass trimmer operations with a major acceleration peak at 100 Hz. The groundskeepers' ahv-lifetime was 33 and 28 times higher for the right and left hands, respectively, than the office workers.

Bioelectric brain activity in workers with hand-arm vibration in dynamics

Introduction. A few neurophysiologic studies have shown that changes of the bioelectrical brain activity are observed in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) patients. There is practically no information about the state of bioelectrical brain activity in the hand-arm vibration. The purpose is to study the dynamics of the formation of neurophysiologic changes in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration. Materials and methods. Electroencephalography (EEG) and registration of evoked potentials (EP) was carried out in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration (practically healthy workers, HAVS individuals who continue to work in their occupation), twice in a connected sample. The results are presented as median, upper and lower quartiles, and extensive indicators. The significance of differences was assessed using Pearson’s χ2 test, Fisher’s angular transformation, and Wilcoxon T-test. Results. In dynamics, there is a change in the EEG pattern from disorganized with a predominance of alpha activity to disorganized with a predominance of delta, and theta activity; a decrease in the spectral power of the main EEG rhythms in all main functional leads in both examined groups. Diffuse changes in the EEG indicate a multisystem nature of bioelectrical brain activity disorders with involvement of the cerebral cortex, stem, and diencephalic structures of the brain. Changes in the amplitude-temporal parameters of EP manifested by an excess of the latency of the main peaks and a decrease in amplitude, indicate an imbalance in the central nervous system, general modulating influences on the cerebral cortex of the thalamocortical systems of the brain. Limitations. One occupational group with different levels of health status – practically healthy workers, HAVS individuals who continue to work in their occupation – was enrolled in the study. Conclusion. The one-direction and progressive development of changes in the bioelectrical brain activity has been established, manifested by a restructuring of the electrical activity of the brain, desynchronization of neuronal activity, an increase in the level of functional activity of the brain, and an imbalance of general modulating influences on the cerebral cortex. The identified changes are a manifestation of the nonspecific part of the pathogenesis of HAVS.

Performance evaluation of vibration-damping bucking bar in human-robot collaboration

Abstract The riveting process in aircraft manufacturing generates large vibrations, and if it is exposed to vibration for a long period of time, riveting workers may suffer from Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome causing irreversible damage to the robot. In this study, firstly, the vibration mechanical model of human-robot collaboration was established, and then the vibration characteristics of human-robot collaboration under squeezing force were deduced. Finally, an experiment was performed to evaluate the vibration damping performance of vibration-damping bucking bars by evaluating the mean peak squeezing force with different rivet guns and input pneumatic pressure. Compared with the conventional stainless steel bucking bar, the PU-cylinder bucking bar has a lower mean peak squeezing force. The results show that the utilization of the PU-cylinder bucking bar in human-robot collaborative riveting operations can considerably reduce the vibration transmitted from the rivet gun to the robot and the operator.

Hand-arm vibration analysis of Caeski: a communication device for deafblind persons

Assistive technologies can improve greater participation in society and sociocultural experiences. A communication device for deafblind persons, called Caeski, is an assistive technology that allows independent communication between two deafblind persons or between deafblind and non-deafblind persons using vibrating keys. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of hand-arm vibrations (HAV) emitted by Caeski to check if this will be harmful to users. The vibrations emitted by the Caeski’s keys were analyzed from data provided by a triaxial accelerometer, positioned over the fingers of a sample of seven deafblind individuals. The obtained data are within acceptable limits set by International Health and Safety standards – ISO 8041, ISO 5349-1 and European Directive 2002/44/EC – on the physical risk of vibration. Safety is part of the product development process. It was possible to demonstrate that the proposed technology is not harmful to users and can be used safely.

Vocational rehabilitative decisions after symptoms and findings consistent with hand-arm vibration syndrome in the Swedish surveillance system – a mixed-method design

BackgroundEU workers exposed to hand-arm vibration should be offered health surveillance to detect early symptoms, and findings, of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). To execute the mandatory vocational rehabilitation, the employer needs to be aware of injuries found in the medical check-up. We aimed to analyse: 1) How physicians graded the neurosensory component of HAVS on the Stockholm Workshop Scale (SWS), compared to semi-objective findings. 2) What vocational rehabilitative decisions (VRD) were taken by physicians after examinations. 3) Whether the VRDs differed in relation to the SWS-grading.MethodsData came from 660 medical records - all examinations performed during twelve consecutive months in one large Swedish occupational healthcare company. 572 individuals had data on the SWS from the physician. For the qualitative analysis, we used the inductive-iterative immersion-crystallization method.Results60% of the examined workers had symptoms and 32% had semi-objective findings consistent with HAVS. The physicians’ SWS gradings were underestimated in 59% of the cases with semi-objective findings. The VRDs were classified, relative to communication with the employer, as: “Adequate” (57%), when no injury was present, communication had already taken place, was planned, or was no longer needed in the absence of further exposure, “Semi-adequate” (18%), if no plan for communication was yet established or only communicated through a document with a shorter time until next check-up, and “Inadequate”(25%), when patients refused (20%), or physicians failed to communicate with the employer, despite findings (80%). Underestimated SWS-gradings of HAVS were significantly associated with more “Inadequate” VRDs in the group with semi-objective findings.ConclusionsOccupational physicians underestimate the number of individuals with SWS 2–3 compared with semi-objective findings and regularly fail to communicate to the employer despite findings of HAVS. The underestimation of SWS-grading, followed by inadequate VRDs, excludes many workers from the employer’s mandatory protective measures which may lead to aggravation of an untreatable injury in the affected individual and development of HAVS in their similarly exposed colleagues.

Serum levels of biomarkers related to severity staging of Raynaud’s phenomenon, neurosensory manifestations, and vibration exposure in patients with hand-arm vibration injury

Our aim was to explore possible relationships between serum levels of biomarkers in patients with hand-arm vibration injury in relation to the severity of the vascular, i.e., Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), and neurosensory manifestations, the current exposure level, and the duration of exposure. This study was of case series design and involved 92 patients diagnosed with hand-arm vibration injury. Jonckheere’s trend test was used to assess any association between serum levels of biomarkers and RP as well as neurosensory manifestations, graded by the International Consensus Criteria. Generalized linear models with adjustment for possible confounders were also used for associations between serum levels of biomarkers and; (1) severity of RP recorded as the extent of finger blanching calculated with Griffin score, (2) vibration perception thresholds, (3) magnitude of current exposure as [A(8); (m/s2)] value, and (4) the duration of exposure in years. Serum levels of thrombomodulin, von Willebrand factor, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), heat shock protein 27, and caspase-3 were positively associated with severity of RP. Serum levels of CGRP were positively associated with the neurosensory component. No associations with exposure were shown for these biomarkers. For Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, no associations were found with neither severity nor exposure. Levels of serum biomarkers associated with endothelial injury or dysfunction, inflammation, vasodilation, neuroprotection, and apoptosis were positively associated with the severity of hand-arm vibration injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and occupational hand exposures: a Danish nationwide cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim was to examine exposure–response relations between occupational hand exposures and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to compare the relation between surgery-treated and non-surgery-treated CTS. The secondary aim was...

Rat-Tail Models for Studying Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: A Comparison between Living and Cadaver Rat Tails

Over-exposure of the hand-arm system to intense vibration and force over time may cause degeneration of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems in the fingers. A novel animal model using rat tails has been developed to understand the health effects on human fingers exposed to vibration and force when operating powered hand tools or workpieces. The biodynamic responses, such as vibration stress, strain, and power absorption density, of the rat tails can be used to help evaluate the health effects related to vibration and force and to establish a dose-effect relationship. While the biodynamic responses of cadaver rat tails have been investigated, the objective of the current study was to determine whether the biodynamic responses of living rat tails are different from those of cadaver rat tails, and whether the biodynamic responses of both living and cadaver tails change with exposure duration. To make direct comparisons, the responses of both cadaver and living rat tails were examined on four different testing stations. The transfer function of each tail under a given contact force (2 N) was measured at each frequency in the one-third octave bands from 20 to 1000 Hz, and used to calculate the mechanical system parameters of the tails. The transfer functions were also measured at different exposure durations to determine the time dependency of the response. Differences were observed in the vibration biodynamic responses between living and cadaver tails, but the general trends were similar. The biodynamic responses of both cadaver and living rat tails varied with exposure duration.

Design of new anti-vibration gloves for workers: ongoing research and preliminary results

Abstract Powered hand-held tools such as drillers, chainsaws, blowers, etc. cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. Common anti-vibration gloves cannot attenuate the vibrations at low frequencies and satisfy workers due to a lack of dexterity and grip strength. Therefore, the study presents a new glove based on an absorber to reduce vibration transmission at low frequencies. The new gloves and the passive absorbers are affordable and made of simple components, rubber rods, and violin strings with different sizes are the base of the used absorbers to attenuate the range of working frequencies. To predict the effectiveness of the fabricated gloves, the study performed experiments using non-expensive tools. A smartphone and a credible Android application (IDynamics) are utilized to measure the response in the wrist when using an air blower 450 W in specific working conditions. Additionally, the study builds a simple test rig to carry out the effect of the new gloves on the dexterity. Accordingly, the suggested low-cost gloves achieve a 50% acceleration reduction at the wrist approximately to the bare hand or any current anti-vibration gloves that are specified for the higher frequencies only.

Research of upper limb tremor reduction with a vibrational medical device for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that manifests as a various movement disorders: tremor, rigidity and postural instability. These dysfunctions can significantly impact the individual’s quality of life, leading to a decline in overall well-being. However, recent innovations in medical devices field promise additional methods to alleviate PD symptoms. The VILIM Ball is a local hand-arm stimulation device that generates mechanical vibrations within the frequency range of 8–18 Hz. It was shown in this study that Parkinson’s disease patients (PD) may experience enhanced upper limb functionality and reduction in tremor power through physiotherapy in conjunction to therapy with VILIM Ball device. A total of 24 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: the control group (N= 12) underwent physiotherapy alone, while the experimental group (N= 12) received physiotherapy in combination with the VILIM Ball. Hand coordination, tremor power, and the right-hand grip strength before and after interventions were assessed to quantify the effects of the interventions. The right-hand tremor power decreased by an average of 7.38% for the control group and by an average of 48.11% for the experimental group. The left-hand tremor power increased by 3.89% for the control group and decreased by the 30.23% for the experimental group. There were no significant changes in the right-hand grip strength after the interventions. These findings indicate that the local hand-arm vibration provided by the VILIM Ball in conjunction to physiotherapy can benefit patients more than the physiotherapy alone.

Blood biomarkers for occupational hand-arm vibration exposure.

Hand-arm vibration is a common occupational exposure that causes neurological impairment, myalgia, and vibration-induced Raynaud's phenomena or vibration white fingers (VWF). The pathological mechanism is largely unknown, though several mechanisms have been proposed, involving both immunological vascular damage and defective neural responses. The aim of this study was to test whether the substances interleukin-33 (IL-33), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), interleukin-10 (IL-10), endothelin-1 (ET-1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), calcitonin, and thromboxane (TXA2) changed before and after occupational hand-arm vibration exposure. 38 full-time shift workers exposed to hand-arm vibration were recruited. All the participants underwent medical examinations regarding symptoms of Raynaud's phenomena. In 29 of the participants, the concentration of IL-33, MDC, IL-10, ET-1, CCL20, calcitonin, and TXA2 was measured before and after a workday. There was a significant increase in ET-1 and calcitonin concentration and a decrease in the CCL20 concentration after the work shift in all participants. In the group suffering from VWF, but not in the non-VWF group, MDC was statistically significantly lower before the work shift (p = .023). The VWF group also showed a significant increase in MDC after the work shift. Exposure to occupational hand-arm vibration is associated with changes in ET-1, calcitonin, and MDC concentration in subjects suffering from vibration white fingers, suggesting a role of these biomarkers in the pathophysiology of this condition.

Recent trends in reduction of hand arm vibration syndrome for agricultural handheld equipment: A review based on challenges and future directions

A major occupational health risk in the agricultural industry is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which is brought on by exposure to vibration from handled machinery. This review thoroughly covers the historical background and prevalence of HAVS in agriculture, highlighting the harm it does to the health and productivity of workers. The goal is to solve the research deficit in this area by concentrating on vibration isolation and dampening approaches. The paper comprehensively examines measurement methods, such as accelerometer-based approaches, strain gauge and force plate methods, wireless sensor networks, for evaluating vibrations related to HAVS. These methods are compared in order to clarify their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, engineering controls, isolation mounts, dampers, and smart technologies are included in the categories of shock and vibration reduction solutions based on their efficiency and application. Also covered are human factors that affect vibration reduction. The difficulties in putting reduction strategies into practice are underlined. These difficulties include economic considerations, technological limitations, and user approval. In order to draw useful conclusions, case studies demonstrating effective vibration reduction methods in agricultural contexts are provided. Future directions for reducing HAVS in agriculture include interdisciplinary research opportunities, developing technologies for vibration reduction, and a global approach. This review concludes by highlighting the importance of tackling HAVS, providing insights into real-world applications, and suggesting future research initiatives.

Does the Workload Change When Using an Impact Wrench in Different Postures?—A Counter-Balanced Trial

Awkward hand-arm posture and overhead work increase the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms. These adverse health effects can also be caused by additional workloads such as hand-arm vibration exposure while carrying or holding a power tool. This pilot trial investigated posture and muscle activity of 11 subjects while using an impact wrench for three working directions: upwards, forwards and downwards. Although the vibration exposure did not show notable differences in the magnitude (4.8 m/s2 upwards, 4.4 m/s2 forwards and 4.7 m/s2 downwards), postural behavior and the muscle activity showed significantly higher workloads for working upwards compared to forwards direction. The muscle activity results for working downwards also showed elevated levels of muscle activity due to the awkward wrist posture. The results demonstrate that not only the working direction but also more importantly the arm, wrist and head posture need to be considered while investigating hand-arm vibration exposure.

Hand-Arm-Vibrationsdosis und arbeitstechnische Voraussetzungen für die Berufskrankheit Nr. 2103 – Eine epidemiologische Fall-Kontroll-Studie

Hand-arm vibration dose and work-related requirements for occupational disease no. 2103 – An epidemiological case-control study Background: An epidemiological case-control study of dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders of occupational disease no. 2103 (BK 2103) was carried out in order to provide evidence-based recommendations for the recognition of BK 2103. Methods: Male cases and controls were recruited and standardised personal interviews were conducted between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2021. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, work histories regarding the use of hand-operated and hand-held technical tools that can induce hand-arm vibrations were recorded in detail. To quantify the individual vibration exposure, a database of industrial hygiene measurements of vibration values of over 700 technical power tools was established (vibration register). The vibration measurements recorded in the database allows quantification of the daily dose and lifetime dose of the vibration exposure. The dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103 were quantified for the various dose models using conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 209 cases and 614 controls were recruited. Compared to controls, cases suffered more frequently from gout, arm fractures, hip osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, spinal osteoarthritis and trauma injuries or inflammatory conditions of the finger, elbow and shoulder joints. After adjusting for relevant confounders, the study analyses demonstrate consistent and statistically significant dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103. A vibration dose of Dhv = 142.331 m2/s4 x day or Dhw = 38.724 m2/s4 x day is associated with a doubling of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities as defined by BK 2103. Conclusions: These dose values serve as a guide and could also be applied in an assessment of the work-related requirements for the recognition of BK 2103. Sensitivity analyses indicate that an exposure duration with a defined threshold daily dose is not suitable for guiding the recognition of BK 2103. Keywords: hand-arm vibration – musculoskeletal disorders – dose-effect relationship – epidemiology – risk-doubling dose

Barriers and Facilitators for Usage of Self-Compacting Concrete—An Interview Study

Workers in the construction industry must endure different weather conditions, long working hours, and engage in repetitive and strenuous jobs with unrealistic deadlines. Sick leaves, caused by accidents and by work-related diseases, are common in the construction industry. Hand–arm vibration from hand-held power tools is a cause of significant ill health (disorders of the blood vessels, nerves, and joints). Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a fluid concrete and does not need to be vibrated. Despite the health advantages of SCC, its market share in Sweden is lower than in comparable countries. The aim of this article is to describe views, opinions, and knowledge concerning the work environment and health in concrete casting and to identify barriers and facilitators of SCC usage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 interviewees from the construction industry in Sweden. The answers were analysed from a human–technology–organisation (HTO) perspective in order to identify barriers and facilitators for a broader usage of SCC. The results indicate that knowledge about SCC is low within the Swedish construction industry, including educational institutions; when SCC is chosen, it is chosen exclusively due to its technical characteristics, and not because it eliminates vibrations. Barriers to a broader usage of SCC comprise an incomplete knowledge base, clients who never choose it, recipes that are said to be too demanding, and workplace traditions. Facilitators comprise large companies investing in knowledge development about SCC and engaged persons promoting it. This study used an HTO-based model (BTOH) to identify barriers and facilitators for a broader usage of SCC, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of reasons for the low usage of SCC and ways of increasing it.

Evaluation of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Owing to Nerve Conduction Study and Cumulative Exposure Index-A 2.5-Year Cohort Study.

This study aims to clarify the relationship between peripheral neuropathy in hand-arm vibration syndrome and cumulative exposure index. 68 participants without symptoms were surveyed. The participants were divided into three groups based on past and current vibration exposure (VE). Comparison among groups according to past VE showed that the median and ulnar sensory nerve conduction velocities and median sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude were significantly lower in past high and low exposure groups than in the past nonexposure group. Comparison among groups according to current VE showed that the median and ulnar SNAP amplitudes were significantly lower in the current high exposure group than in the current low or nonexposure group. Vibration tool handlers have potential peripheral nerve lesions at a certain stage without subjective symptoms of the finger.

Influence of Hand Arm Vibrations on Operator’s Physiological Parameters and its Attenuation in Power Weeder

Influence of Hand Arm Vibrations on Operator’s Physiological Parameters and its Attenuation in Power Weeder

Effects of Short-Term Hand Tractor Operation on Upper Limb Responses of Users

ABSTRACT Objectives Continuous exposure to hand-arm vibration integrated with poor posture and forceful movements are known causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In most related studies, force and vibration levels in experimental research is controlled. This study aims to determine how actual hand tractor field operation can affect the upper limb of users. It intends to characterize upper limb muscle activation applied during actual hand tractor usage. Lastly, it determines the immediate impacts on hand strength and perceived upper limb discomfort after the operation. Methods We recruited 15 farm operators with a mean working experience of 20.1 ± 12.2 years. They were asked to operate a hand tractor on paddy fields for at most 8 minutes. Handle vibration was measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. The total unweighted vibration acceleration was computed and used to represent the handle vibration magnitude. Muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Six sEMG sensors were attached to the dominant and non-dominant side of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), bicep, and deltoid. Pre- and post-task hand strength and subjective discomfort rating were also taken. Results The total unweighted handle vibration acceleration is 17.45 ± 7.53 m/s2. This exceeds the allowable safe value. Meanwhile, the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC) of the muscles ranged from 6% to 14% with the ECR having a significantly higher activation (p < .05) than the bicep and deltoid. The post-task grip strength of the dominant hand was lower than its pre-task value (p < .01) while that of the non-dominant side did not vary significantly. There is a modest trend of higher hand discomfort of the non-dominant side on post-task than pre-task rating (p < .10). Although, overall, the perceived discomfort ranged from none to mild discomfort. Conclusion In conclusion, the study showed an indication that the effects of vibration on humans are evident even at mild muscle exertion, with the exertion predominantly concentrated on the distal arm area clearly affecting grip strength and hand discomfort. In such cases, future recommendations can revolve around the improvement of the hand tractor handle grip to impose grip comfort and ease.

Workplace Hazards and Occupational Risk Assessment for Automotive Industry Workers

Introduction: The automotive industry is characterized by a complex and combined workers’ exposure to occupational risk factors. The problem of early detection, course and development of prognostic criteria for modern forms of occupational pathology remains relevant. Objective: To assess the main workplace hazards in the automotive industry and the risk of occupational diseases in its workers. Materials and methods: We conducted our own occupational health studies, examined production control data (348 units) and results of special evaluation of working conditions (97 units) at an automobile manufacturing enterprise of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2020–2023. In total, we took 554 measurements of noise, 554 – of hand-arm vibration, 448 – of chemicals, and 554 – of work heaviness. To assess occupational risk, we used an integral indicator of the frequency and severity of occupational diseases, the index of occupational diseases (IOD), as the inverse value of the categories of risk (Cr) and severity (Cs), a single-digit indicator (IOD), combining Cr and Cs. Calculations were done in Microsoft Excel. Results: In the course of work, employees are exposed to a combination of physical factors, such as noise (Class 3.2) and hand-arm vibration (Class 3.1); chemical factors, including fibrogenic aerosols, metal dusts, toxicants from welding fumes, paints and varnishes (Class 3.1), and physical overload (Class 3.1). The overall working conditions correspond to Hazard Class 3, degrees 1–2. We assessed risks of developing the following occupational diseases (IOD = 0.16, total IOD = 0.32): vibration disease from exposure to hand-arm vibration and sensorineural hearing loss from noise exposure; chronic poisoning with manifestations of disorders of the pulmonary system (toxic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) related to chemical exposures. Occupational diseases had a mild course with minor functional grade 1 manifestations and no progression of the pathological process. Conclusions: The complex and combined exposure to industrial safety hazards in the automotive industry determines the moderate risk of developing occupational diseases in its workers.

Serum biomarkers in patients with hand-arm vibration injury and in controls

Hand-arm vibration injury is a well-known occupational disorder that affects many workers globally. The diagnosis is based mainly on quantitative psychophysical tests and medical history. Typical manifestations of hand-arm vibration injury entail episodes of finger blanching, Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and sensorineural symptoms from affected nerve fibres and mechanoreceptors in the skin. Differences in serum levels of 17 different biomarkers between 92 patients with hand-arm vibration injury and 51 controls were analysed. Patients with hand-arm vibration injury entailing RP and sensorineural manifestations showed elevated levels of biomarkers associated with endothelial injury or dysfunction, inflammation, vaso- or neuroprotective compensatory, or apoptotic mechanisms: intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1); thrombomodulin (TM), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27); von Willebrand factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and caspase-3. This study adds important knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms that can contribute to the implementation of a more objective method for diagnosis of hand-arm vibration injury.