Читать книгу Musculoskeletal Disorders - Sean Gallagher - Страница 51

HAV is defined as the transfer of vibration from a tool to a worker’s hand and arm. The amount of HAV is characterized by the acceleration level of the tool when grasped by the worker and in use. The vibration is typically measured on the handle of tool while in use to determine the acceleration levels transferred to the worker. HAVS was first widely recognized as a potential occupational hazard in the mid‐1980s. However, the earliest reports of vibration white finger (VWF) were provided in the early 1900s in miners and quarry workers (Laws, 1998). It was only later realized that musculoskeletal and neurologic symptoms were part of the same syndrome. Although the prevalence in the general population is very low, the prevalence in those experiencing prolonged HAV exposure can be as large as 50% and varies with the intensity of the exposure. Risk appears to be increased somewhat in countries with colder climates (Shen & House, 2017). Exposed workers typically exhibit symptoms in middle age, though symptoms can be observed in younger workers with more intensive exposures. The latency period between exposure and symptoms can be quite broad, ranging from less than a year to four decades, depending on the intensity of exposure.