Investigation on Hand Arm Vibration exposures of operators in construction industry

Abstract

Hand arm vibration syndrome, also known as the white fingere effect, has become one of the most significant diseases seen in construction industry. A long term exposure of arms to high vibration levels causes to the vibration syndromes. Investigation of exposure levels associated with the hand arm vibration is necessary to prevent the white finger syndromes. Objective of this research is to evaluate the vibration exposure levels which transfer through the human arm to the human body while engaging in civil engineering construction activities. Ten operators in civil engineering construction sites were selected as a study group. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the operators to identify whether they are diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndromes, their experiences and age. Vibration exposure levels transferred through the arms to the human body were measured using a vibration meter (SV 106) with a mounting tri axial accelerometer. It was found that operators were not aware about the vibration related syndromes, although they were exposed to the excessive vibration. Measured exposure levels were evaluated based on the standards.