Enter your email address
Submit
Write your message
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2025)
Iran J Ergon 2025, 13(2): 135-145 |
Back to browse issues page
Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1403.190
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Aliabadi M, Rahmani R, Farhadian M, Attari S G, Aeini H. Investigating Occupational Exposure Levels and Health Effects Associated with Hand-Arm Vibration during Work with Vibrating Equipment in Furniture Carpentry Workshops. Iran J Ergon 2025; 13 (2) :135-145
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1092-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1092-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,1raminrahmani@gmail.com
3- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
5- Department of Environment, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,
3- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
5- Department of Environment, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (2558 Views)
Objectives: In the furniture industry, workers operating woodworking machinery are exposed to hand-arm vibration. The present study aims to assess the occupational exposure levels and associated health effects of vibration transmitted to the hand during the operation of vibrating equipment in furniture carpentry workshops.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 59 carpenters (case group) and 39 painters (control group) in Malayer city, Iran. Hand-arm vibration exposure was measured in accordance with ISO 5349. Symptoms related to hand-arm vibration were assessed via questionnaire. Vascular disorders were evaluated through the hand temperature recovery test, according to ISO 14835. Sensory function was examined using the monofilament test kit, and grip strength of the hand and fingers, as well as hand dexterity, were measured for both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26).
Results: Based on the findings of the present research, the 8-hour equivalent acceleration of hand-arm vibration among carpentry workers was 2.74 ± 0.85 m/s². The most frequently reported symptoms among carpenters were hand pain, tingling, and finger pruritus, while Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger blanching) was the least frequently reported. Grip strength, finger strength, hand dexterity, and motor skills were significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Around 10 percent of carpenters exhibited reduced superficial tactile sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups in terms of vascular impairments.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration in furniture carpentry workshops, even at levels below the permissible limit, can lead to a range of sensory-neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms in the hand and arm region, and can adversely affect motor function in these workers.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 59 carpenters (case group) and 39 painters (control group) in Malayer city, Iran. Hand-arm vibration exposure was measured in accordance with ISO 5349. Symptoms related to hand-arm vibration were assessed via questionnaire. Vascular disorders were evaluated through the hand temperature recovery test, according to ISO 14835. Sensory function was examined using the monofilament test kit, and grip strength of the hand and fingers, as well as hand dexterity, were measured for both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26).
Results: Based on the findings of the present research, the 8-hour equivalent acceleration of hand-arm vibration among carpentry workers was 2.74 ± 0.85 m/s². The most frequently reported symptoms among carpenters were hand pain, tingling, and finger pruritus, while Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger blanching) was the least frequently reported. Grip strength, finger strength, hand dexterity, and motor skills were significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Around 10 percent of carpenters exhibited reduced superficial tactile sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups in terms of vascular impairments.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration in furniture carpentry workshops, even at levels below the permissible limit, can lead to a range of sensory-neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms in the hand and arm region, and can adversely affect motor function in these workers.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Environmental Ergonomics
Received: 2025/07/21 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | ePublished: 2025/09/1
Received: 2025/07/21 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | ePublished: 2025/09/1
References
1. Bayat R, Aliabadi M, Golmohamadi R, Shafiee Motlagh M. Assessment of exposure to hand-arm vibration and its related health effects in workers employed in stone cutting workshops of Hamadan city.Johe. 2016;3(1):25-32. [DOI:10.21859/johe-03014]
2. Griffin MJ. Handbook of human vibration. Academic press; 2012.
3. Aliabadi M, Kordmiri SH. Investigation of hand dexterity changes in response to different frequencies of hand-transmitted vibration. Int J Environ Health Eng. 2025;14(4):29. [DOI:10.4103/ijehe.ijehe_11_25]
4. Aliabadi M, Darvishi E, Farhadian M, Rahmani R, Shafiee Motlagh M, Mahdavi N. An investigation of musculoskeletal discomforts among mining truck drivers with respect to human vibration and awkward body posture using random forest algorithm. Hum Factors Ergon Manuf Serv Ind. 2022;32(6):482-93. [DOI:10.1002/hfm.20965]
5. Rahmani R, Aliabadi M, Golmohammadi R, Babamiri M, Farhadian M. Evaluation of cognitive performance of city bus drivers with respect to noise and vibration exposure. Acoustics Australia. 2021;49(3):529-39. [DOI:10.1007/s40857-021-00248-z]
6. Rahmani R, Aliabadi M, Golmohammadi R, Babamiri M, Farhadian M. Body physiological responses of city bus drivers subjected to noise and vibration exposure in working environment. Heliyon. 2022;8(8): e10329. [DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10329] [PMID]
7. Aliabadi M, Mousavi Kordmiri SH, Golmohammadi R, Bovenzi M, Farhadian M. Investigating the effect of different scenarios of hand-arm vibration on the vascular response of the hand. JIMS. 2024;42(763):280-7.
8. Bahrami F, Zandsalimi F, Rahmani R, Moradian Haft Cheshmeh Z. Study of pain and disabilities in musculoskeletal system among urban bus drivers with respect to body postures, job satisfaction, and individual factors. JOHE. 2024;11(1):74-83. [DOI:10.32592/joohe.11.1.74]
9. Kordmiri SHM, Aliabadi M, Golmohammadi R, Bovenzi M, Farhadian M. Combined effects of noise and hand-transmitted vibration on workers' muscle and mental fatigues in a simulated construction operation. Med Lav. 2023;114(2):e2023021. [DOI:10.23749/mdl.v114i2.13903] [PMID]
10. Aliabadi M, Rahmani R, Darvishi E, Farhadian M, Shafiee Motlagh M, Mahdavi N. Experimental study of exposure to human vibration and its relationship with physical performance in mining equipment operators. Iran J Ergon . 2021;9(3):39-54.
11. Bovenzi M, Della Vedova A, Negro C. A follow up study of vibration induced white finger in compensation claimants. Occup Environ Med. 2005;62(4):237-42. [DOI:10.1136/oem.2004.014704] [PMID]
12. Mirbod SM, Iwata H. Proposal for hand-arm vibration exposure limits adopted for Japanese workers operating hand-held vibrating tools. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1997;69(6):418-22. [DOI:10.1007/s004200050169] [PMID]
13. Guild R, Ehrlich R, Johnston J, Ross M. Noise and vibration. Handbook of occupational health practice in the South African mining industry braamfontein: safety in mines research advisory committee (SIMRAC). 2001.
14. Bovenzi M. Epidemiological evidence for new frequency weightings of hand-transmitted vibration. Ind Health. 2012;50(5):377-87. [DOI:10.2486/indhealth.MS1382] [PMID]
15. Pourabdian S, Habibi E, Sadegi M, Rismanchian M. Effects of anti-vibration handle use on hand grinding machine vibration. J Health Syst Res. 2011;6(1).
16. Pelmear PL, Leong D. Review of occupational standards and guidelines for hand-arm (segmental) vibration syndrome (HAVS). Appl Occup Environ Hyg. 2000;15(3):291-302. [DOI:10.1080/104732200301610] [PMID]
17. ISNA. Shahr Jahani Malayer andar Kham Moshkelat. 2024.
18. Harada N, Mahbub M. Diagnosis of vascular injuries caused by hand-transmitted vibration. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008;81(5):507-18. [DOI:10.1007/s00420-007-0246-4] [PMID]
19. Forouharmajd F, Azmoon H, Akbari J, Soury S. Evaluating the transmitted vibration to operator′ s hands hand and effect of protective gloves in real condition, based on International Standard Organization 5349 standard. Int J Environ Health Eng . 2016;5(1):4. [DOI:10.4103/2277-9183.179197]
20. Lifchez S. Measuring physiological and biochemical changes in work-related vibration. 2006.
21. Cherniack M, Brammer A, Meyer J, Morse T, Peterson D, Fu R. Skin temperature recovery from cold provocation in workers exposed to vibration: a longitudinal study. Occup Environ Med. 2003;60(12):962-8. [DOI:10.1136/oem.60.12.962] [PMID]
22. Jafari M, Kazemi Poor M. Examine the relationship between hand and arm rynvdvartash worker of industrial unit. Several National Conference on Occupational Health and Safety. 2011; Qazvin.
23. Pan D, Xu XS, Welcome DE, McDowell TW, Warren C, Wu J, et al. The relationships between hand coupling force and vibration biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system. Ergonomics. 2018;61(6):818-30. [DOI:10.1080/00140139.2017.1398843] [PMID]
24. Radwin RG, Armstrong TJ, Chaffin DB. Power hand tool vibration effects on grip exertions. Ergonomics. 1987;30(5):833-55. [DOI:10.1080/00140138708969772]
25. Wahlström J, Burström L, Hagberg M, Lundström R, Nilsson T. Musculoskeletal symptoms among young male workers and associations with exposure to hand-arm vibration and ergonomic stressors. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008;81(5):595-602. [DOI:10.1007/s00420-007-0250-8] [PMID]
26. Azmir N, Ghazali M, Yahya M, Ali M, Song J. Effect of hand arm vibration on the development of vibration induce disorder among grass cutter workers. Procedia Manuf . 2015;2:87-91. [DOI:10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.015]
27. Buhaug K, Moen BE, Irgens Å. Upper limb disability in Norwegian workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2014;9(1):5. [DOI:10.1186/1745-6673-9-5] [PMID]
28. Bovenzi M, Griffin M, Hagberg M. Diagnosis of injuries caused by hand-transmitted vibration-2nd International workshop. Report Occupational Environ Med.2006;10(114).
29. Sharma AS, Mandal BB, Prakash A, Mandal SK. Impact of hand-arm vibration on grip and pinch strength of jackhammer operators: a cross-sectional study. J Occup Environ Med. 2025;67(7):e501-e510. [DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003400] [PMID]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
Copyright Policy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
