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. 2022 Nov 2;19(21):14345.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114345.

Proposal of Combined Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration Index for Occupational Exposure: Application to a Study Case in the Olive Sector

Raquel Nieto-Álvarez  1 , María L de la Hoz-Torres  2 , Antonio J Aguilar  3 , María Dolores Martínez-Aires  2 , Diego P Ruiz  3
Affiliations

Proposal of Combined Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration Index for Occupational Exposure: Application to a Study Case in the Olive Sector

Raquel Nieto-Álvarez et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

In many production and industrial sectors, workers are exposed to noise and hand-arm vibrations (HAV). European directives have established the maximum limit values or exposure action values for noise and vibration independently. However, in many cases, workers who endure hand-arm vibration also receive high noise levels. This research suggests a procedure to aid the establishment of precautionary measures for workers with simultaneous exposure to both physical agents. This procedure defines a combined index based on the energy doses for both noise and HAV. From this combined index, the suggested methodology allows a recommended exposure time for workers with simultaneous noise and HAV exposure to be calculated. This methodology can be adapted to tackle the relative importance assigned to both agents according to the safety manager and new knowledge on combined health effects. To test this method, a measurement campaign under real working conditions was conducted with workers from the olive fruit-harvesting sector, where a variety of hand-held machinery is used. The results of the study case show that the suggested procedure can obtain reliable exposure time recommendations for simultaneous noise and HAV exposures and is therefore a useful tool for establishing prevention measures.

Keywords: HAV; noise; olive sector; physical agents; vibration; workers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Sensor placed on the worker’s hand; (b) SVAN 106 Four-Channel Sound and Vibration Analyser.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) SQuadriga Headphone Booster; (b) SQuadriga Headset BHS.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Axes direction defined in relation to the body hand (hand reference system).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Flowchart of the proposed methodology.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Hook type olive harvesters.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Worker equipped with hook type olive harvesters and measurement sensors.
Figure 7
Figure 7
(a) Diagram of the worker’s position in the lateral view; (b) diagram of the worker’s position in the front view.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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