Hand-arm vibration disorder among grass-cutter workers in Malaysia

Azmir, Nor Azali and Ghazali, Mohd Imran and Yahya, Musli Nizam and Ali, Mohamad Hanafi (2016) Hand-arm vibration disorder among grass-cutter workers in Malaysia. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE), 22 (3). pp. 433-438. ISSN 1080-3548

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Abstract

Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from grass-cutting machines has been associated with increasing occurrences of symptoms and signs of occupational diseases related to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out using an adopted HAVS questionnaire on hand-arm vibration exposure and symptoms distributed to 168 male workers from the grass and turf maintenance industry who use hand-held grass-cutting machines as part of their work. The prevalence ratio and symptom correlation to HAVS between high and low–moderate exposure risk groups were evaluated. Results. There were positive HAVS symptoms relationships between the low–moderate exposure group and the high exposure group among hand-held grass-cutting workers. The prevalence ratio was considered high because there were indicators that fingers turned white and felt numb, 3.63, 95% CI [1.41, 9.39] and 4.24, 95% CI [2.18, 8.27], respectively. Less than 14.3% of workers stated that they were aware of the occupational hand-arm vibration, and it seemed to be related to the finger blanching and numbness. Conclusion. The results suggest that HAVS is under-diagnosed in Malaysia, especially in the agricultural sectors. More information related to safety and health awareness programmes for HAVS exposure is required among hand-held grass-cutting workers.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Hand-arm vibration syndrome; Hand-held grass cutter; Prevalence
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions:	Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User:	Mrs. Siti Noraida Miskan
Date Deposited:	16 Nov 2021 08:06
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2021 08:06
URI:	http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/id/eprint/3356

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