Proposed methodology for the study of the level of emerging risk from exposure to hand-arm vibrations in manufacturing environments

摘要

Occupational exposure to vibrations, regulated by Directive 2002/44/EC, is currently on the rise. This situation makes it necessary to increase knowledge of the exposure, considering amongst other factors, its nature as an emerging risk. To do so, a methodology has been developed for application in manufacturing environments. This has been designed by combining the principles of the DMRA Technique with a theoretical framework of new and emerging risks established from recent research. This methodology grades the Emerging Risk Level (ERL) on 9 levels, from 'not at all significant' (ERL=1) to "fully significant" (ERL=9). This methodology has been applied to hand-arm vibrations generated by using an electric disc grinder. Thirty-two entries from the National Institute of Safety and Health at Work (INSHT) 'Vibra' database have been considered for this. The main findings indicate that 55% and 36% of cases give rise to 'moderately significant' (ERL=7) and 'very significant' (ERL=8) emerging risk, respectively.