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. 2021 Jul;94(5):1041-1048.
doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01660-8. Epub 2021 Feb 13.

Vibration related symptoms and signs in quarry and foundry workers

Lars Gerhardsson  1 , Christina Ahlstrand  2 , Per Ersson  2 , Per Jonsson  2 , Ewa Gustafsson  2
Affiliations

Vibration related symptoms and signs in quarry and foundry workers

Lars Gerhardsson et al. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: The development of vascular and neurosensory findings were studied in two groups of long-term exposed quarry and foundry workers with different vibration exposures, working conditions and work tasks.

Methods: The study included 10 quarry workers (mean age 43 yrs., mean exposure time 16 yrs.) and 15 foundry workers (35 yrs.; 11 yrs.) at two plants in Sweden. All participants completed a basic questionnaire and passed a medical examination including a number of neurosensory tests, e.g. the determination of vibration (VPT) and temperature (TPT) perception thresholds as well as a musculoskeletal examination of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands.

Results: A high prevalence of neurosensory findings (40%) was found among the quarry workers. Both groups, however, showed a low prevalence of vibration white fingers (VWF). Foundry workers showed significantly better sensitivity than quarry workers for all monofilament tests (p ≤ 0.016), TPT warmth in dig 2 (p = 0.048) and 5 dexter (p = 0.008), and in dig 5 sinister (p = 0.005). They also showed a better VPT performance in dig 5 dexter (p = 0.031).

Conclusions: Despite high vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF was low. The high prevalence of neurosensory findings among the quarry workers may depend on higher A(8) vibration exposure and higher exposure to high-frequency vibrations. An age-effect and exposure to cold could also be contributing factors. The nervous system seems to be more susceptible to high-frequency vibrations than the vascular system. For neurosensory injuries, the current ISO 5349-1 standard is not applicable.

Keywords: Foundry; Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS); Quarry; Vibration exposure.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests and no conflicts of interest.

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