A field survey of hand–arm vibration exposure in the UK utilities sector

Abstract

PurposeExcessive exposure to HAV can lead to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which is a major health and well-being issue that can irreparably damage the neurological, vascular and muscular skeletal system. This paper reports upon field research analysis of the hand–arm vibration (HAV) exposure levels of utility workers in the UK construction sector when operating hand-held vibrating power tools.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical epistemological lens was adopted to analyse primary quantitative data on the management of hand-held tool trigger times (seconds) collected from field studies. To augment the analysis further, an interpretivist perspective was undertaken to qualitatively analyse interviews held with the participating company's senior management team after field study results. This approach sought to provide further depth and perspective on the emergent numerical findings.FindingsThe findings reveal that none of the operatives were exposed above the exposure limit value (ELV) and that 91.07% resided under the exposure action value (EAV). However, the Burr four parameter probability model (which satisfied the Anderson–Darling, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and chi-squared goodness of fit tests at α 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 levels of significance) illustrated that given the current data distribution pattern, there was a 3% likelihood that the ELV will be exceeded. Model parameters could be used to: forecast the future probability of HAV exposure levels on other utility contracts and provide benchmark indicators to alert senior management to pending breaches of the ELV.Originality/valueHAV field trials are rarely conducted within the UK utilities sector, and the research presented is the first to develop probability models to predict the likelihood of operatives exceeding the ELV based upon field data. Findings presented could go some way to preserving the health and well-being of workers by ensuing that adequate control measures implemented (e.g. procuring low vibrating tools) mitigate the risk posed.

Modelling the Impact of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation Drivers and Awareness on Project Lifecycle

“…This research adopted positivism analysis to conduct an empirical analysis of primary data collated from a questionnaire survey; such an approach is well established within contemporary construction management literature [73,74]. Positivism was first adopted to analyse extant literature and identify pertinent BIM implementation drivers in BIM awareness across the PL (i.e., model constructs and constructs classification) and build a conceptual model [75][76][77].…”

A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries

“…The study adopts a post-positivism philosophical stance (Roberts et al, 2018;Al-Saeed et al, 2020), using a deductive approach (cf. Edwards et al, 2019;Edwards et al, 2020) since the study sought to identify and assess the challenges of smart city development. A survey strategy of enquiry was conducted using a structured questionnaire.…”

Hand-arm vibration management: an operational health and safety strategy framework

“…(Sui et al, 2018). H&S is especially important in the construction sector where the handling and manipulation of plant and machinery expose workers to serious or fatal injury ( al., 2003;Edwards et al, 2019;Edwards et al, 2020). For example, the UK government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that of the five major categories of fatality occurring throughout industry during the period 2014/15 to 2018/19, stuck by moving vehicle and contact with moving machinery were responsible for 19% and 8% of all fatalities respectively (cf.…”

“…However, Edwards et al (2020) noted that whilst the measurement of HAV is precise, the risk of being over exposed, contracting HAVS and directly associating these with occupational activities if far from an exact science. A person's life-style must also be taken into consideration because social activities (for example, gardening) can over-expose humans to vibratory work processes (e.g.…”

“…When asked about training, interviewee Importantly, there was no mention that gripping the tool too tightly can result in the operator absorbing more vibration energy; thereby exacerbating the risks posed (Edwards et al, 2020).…”