More expertise needed on vibration injuries to hands and arms
Teresia Nyman, researcher in occupational and environmental medicine, has in her clinical work met many patients suffering from vibration injuries. Photo: Staffan Claesson
Hello Teresia Nyman, researcher at the Department of Medical Sciences. You have received a grant of SEK 762,000 from Afa Försäkring to investigate the impact on health and working life for people who have been injured due to working with vibrating tools. How does this research work in practice?
“We will use Afa Försäkring’s own records of people who have applied for and been granted occupational injury compensation for vibration injuries. These people will answer a questionnaire with questions on the level of exposure to vibration at work before and after the compensation award, persistent symptoms, diagnoses, disabilities and quality of life.”
What happens in the body when people work with vibrating tools?
“Long-term exposure to vibration causes damage to vessels and nerves, which is known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The most common condition is 'white fingers', where the blood vessels constrict and restrict blood flow to the tissues. Symptoms include cold white fingers, pain, numbness and tingling. Nerve damage with loss of sensation, reduced grip strength and impaired fine motor skills are other common injuries. The vibrations can also contribute to the development of muscle and joint damage.”
How does this affect the worker’s quality of life?
“The symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and can also affect sleep. The ability to perform tasks requiring precision and dexterity is impaired, which can lead to limitations or changes to their professional life and, in some cases, unemployment. They are also restricted in their leisure activities. Some hobbies and recreation requiring fine motor skills or being outdoors in cold weather can no longer be enjoyed.”
How widespread are these problems?
“Statistics from Statistics Sweden show that as many as 13 percent of all working men and 3 percent of all women are exposed to hand-held vibrating tools for at least a quarter of their working hours. In some professional groups, such as construction workers, around half of all workers report symptoms caused by vibration.”
How can your research help reduce this problem?
“There is currently a lack of research-based knowledge about long-term symptoms, disabilities, continued occupational exposure and perceived quality of life in people with vibration injuries. There is also a need to find out more about the preventive measures implemented in workplaces to prevent the occurrence of these injuries.”
Åsa Malmberg