Sharma, Anand Shyamji and Mandal, Bibhuti Bhusan and Prakash, Amar and Mandal , Sujit Kumar Severity of Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure and Prevalence of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Among Jackhammer Operators in Indian Stone Quarries. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 42. pp. 319-333.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) poses a significant occupational hazard for workers using vibrating tools and can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which includes vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This research examines the severity of HAV exposure and the prevalence of HAVS among jackhammer operators in Indian stone quarries. By integrating field measurements and health surveys, the study evaluates the daily HAV exposure of 27 jackhammer operators and assesses health outcomes in 47 workers (27 exposed and 20 unexposed). The findings reveal that the operators’ average 8 h of daily vibration exposure surpasses the threshold limit of 5 m/s2 stipulated by the EU Directive and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Among the exposed workers, high rates of non-vascular symptoms were observed, including tingling (33.3%), numbness (33.3%), and hand pain (29.6%). In contrast, vascular symptoms such as Raynaud’s phenomenon were less prevalent, affecting only 3.7% of the exposed workers. There was a significant correlation between lifetime vibration dose and the severity of sensorineural symptoms (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). The exposed workers were 7.2 times more likely to develop sensorineural disorders and 8 times more likely to develop MSDs compared to their unexposed counterparts, as determined through the odds ratio. These findings emphasize the importance of including HAVS in India’s recognized occupational diseases under the Mines Act of 1952. Such inclusion would prompt greater awareness among mine operators and support the implementation of protective measures to mitigate HAVS in Indian mining operations.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Mine Subsidence
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Mr. B. R. Panduranga
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2025 09:13
Last Modified:	29 Apr 2025 09:13
URI:	http://cimfr.csircentral.net/id/eprint/2783

Actions (login required)

View Item