A follow up study of vascular disorders in vibration-exposed forestry workers

Bovenzi, Massimo

doi:10.1007/s00420-007-0225-9

Cited by 39 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…A follow-up study (n=128) investigated the occurrence of VWF and the cold response of digital arteries in a group of forestry workers using antivibratory tools. The study showed that VWF is still prevalent among forest workers despite anti-vibration tools, but the cessation of vibration exposure in the retired workers was associated with a beneficial effect on the cold response of digital arteries 81) . Another study examining the effects of cessation of the use of pneumatic tools in shipyard metal workers (n=204) showed that the recovery of skin temperature after a cold challenge in subjects with VWF remained reduced in the symptomatic subjects several years after exposure removal 82) .…”

Section: Peripheral Circulation and Cold Workmentioning

confidence: 86%

Health Problems in Cold Work

2009

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Cold in- and outdoor work can result in different adverse effects on human health. Health problems decrease performance and work productivity and increase the occurrence of accidents and injuries. Serious health problems can also result in absence from work due to sick leave or hospitalization. At its worst, work in cold conditions could be associated with deaths due to cold-related accidents or a sudden health event. Musculoskeletal complaints, like pain, aches etc. are common in indoor cold work. Breathing cold air while working may lead to respiratory symptoms, which can decrease performance in cold. The symptoms are usually worsened by exercise and ageing, being more common in persons having a respiratory disease. Cardiovascular complaints and related performance decrements could be especially pronounced during work in cold weather and involving physical exercise, especially among those with an underlying cardiovascular disease. The article also reviews the current information related to diabetes, skin disorders and diseases, as well as cold injuries and accidents occurring in cold work. Increasing awareness and identifying workplace- and individual-related cold risks is the first step in proper cold risk management. Following this, the susceptible population groups need customized advice on proper prevention and protection in cold work.

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Section: Peripheral Circulation and Cold Workmentioning

confidence: 86%

Health Problems in Cold Work

2009

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“…Production was estimated at almost 150 m 3 based on the number of harvested trees during the study (31) and the average tree volume. Tree felling and processing of the 31 observed trees supposed a fuel mixture consumption of 4.350 l (0.029 L·m −3 ) and a lubricant consumption of 1.480 l (0.010 L·m −3 ), indicating a rather low amount of fuels consumed in operations.…”

Section: Time Fuel Lubricant Consumption and Productive Performancmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workload, Exposure to Noise, and Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Case Study of Motor-Manual Tree Feeling and Processing in Poplar Clear Cuts

Cheţa

Marcu

Borz

2018

Forests

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Abstract:Motor-manual tree felling and processing (MMTFP) is among the most used options in timber harvesting operations and it is formally known to be a heavy job exposing the workers to safety hazards and harmful factors. Nevertheless, both workload and exposure depend on many operational, organizational, and worker-related parameters. Few studies have evaluated the ergonomics of such operations and fewer have been carried out using an integrated approach able to collect and interpret data for more than one ergonomic parameter. This study evaluated the ergonomic conditions of task-based MMTFP operations in flatland poplar forests by the means of workload, exposure to noise, and risk of musculoskeletal disorders. A fully-automatic approach was used to collect and pair the heart rate and noise exposure data that was complemented by video recording to collect postural data. Workload experienced by the worker was evaluated in terms of heart rate reserve (%HRR), indicating a heavy load during the productive time (%HRR = 46%); exposure to noise was calculated at the task and study level, exceeding (LAeq = 97.15 dB(A); L EX,8h = 96.18 dB(A)) the acceptable limits; and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders was evaluated using the concepts and procedures of the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System, indicating a high postural risk index (PRI = 275), which can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). For more conclusive results, the research should be extended to cover the relevant variability factors.

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“…We did not find an association between symptoms that could be consistent with HAVS and use of a chain saw in the previous 8 weeks. Nevertheless, vibration exposure has been associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders among chain saw operators [Bovenzi 2008;Sutinen et al 2006]. The average frequency-weighted chain saw acceleration measurements in these evaluations (8.4 m/s 2 ) is at the upper end of the range (5.9-8.8 m/s 2 ) reported for common chain saws on the European Union market [Griffin et al 2006].…”

Section: Hand-transmitted Vibrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These saws have been reported to exhibit frequency-weighted accelerations in the range of 1.8-2.2 m/s 2 [Sutinen et al 2006]. However, even operators using these modern, AV chain saw models can still exhibit VWF prevalence rates of more than 10% after just a few years of forestry work [Bovenzi 2008;Sutinen et al 2006]. This suggests that there are no completely safe levels of chain saw vibration exposure; chain saw vibration exposures should be limited to the lowest possible levels.…”

Section: Hand-transmitted Vibrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration is associated with a series of disorders in the vascular, sensorineural and musculoskeletal structures of human fingers-hand-arm system, which has been collectively called HAVS [Gemne and Taylor 1983]. Vibration exposure has been associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders among chain saw operators [Bovenzi 2008;Sutinen et al 2006].…”

Section: Vibrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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