Risk assessment and health surveillance in a group of workers exposed to Hand Arm Vibrations (HAV)

Abstract 70 male workers exposed to mechanical hand arm vibrations (HAV) (mean age 50.2 years ± 10.7, specific working age 27.8 y ± 9.9), were submitted to our study and compared with a homogeneous not exposed control group. The exposure to mechanical HAV was assessed using an integrator accelerometer and comparing the gathered results with an available data bank. The analysis considered different working sectors: building, mechanical, road and hydraulic maintenance. The daily exposure acceleration value A(8) resulted to be higher than the action level (2,5 m*sec-2) for 2 working activities (building, road maintenance). A statistical significant difference was observed between data obtained by measurements and data bank available, for building field, road maintenance and mechanical sector. Medical survey of pathological vascular effects on upper limb by means of digital photoplethysmography revealed building to be the most interested sector, while the most affected fingers resulted forefinger and middle finger. In comparison with Stockholm scale the our method’s sensitivity was 72%, with a Predictive Positive Value (PPV) of 59% and Predictive Negative Value (PNV) of 90%.