Preventing HAVS in the Workplace: Identifying workplace risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome

摘要

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is one of the most ignored and damaging occupational diseases, according to some wworkplace injury experts (Center for Workplace Health Information). It is estimated that 1.45 million U.S. workers use vibrating tools and their use is responsible for the majority of hand-arm-vibration-related occupational illnesses reported each year [CDC(a)]. Hand-arm vibration is defined as the transfer of vibration from a tool to a worker's hand and arm. The amount of hand-arm vibration (HAV) is characterized by the acceleration level of the tool when grasped by the worker and in use; it is typically measured on the handle of a tool while in use to determine the acceleration levels transferred to the worker [CDC(b) 19].