Digital Vibration Threshold Testing and Ergonomic Stressors in Automobile Manufacturing Workers: A Cross-Sectional Assessment

Details

• Personal Author:
  Cherniack, Martin G. ; Gold JE ; Punnett, Laura ; Wegman, David H.
• Description:
  Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) comprise a large proportion of work-related illnesses in the USA. Physical risk factors including manual force and segmental vibration have been associated with UEMSDs. Reduced sensitivity to vibration in the fingertips (a function of nerve integrity) has been found in those exposed to segmental vibration, to hand force, and in office workers. The objective of this study was to determine whether an association exists between digital vibration thresholds (VTs) and exposure to ergonomic stressors in automobile manufacturing. Interviews and physical examinations were conducted in a cross-sectional survey of workers (n=1174). In multivariable robust regression modelling, associations with workers' estimates of ergonomic stressors stratified on tool use were determined. VTs were separately associated with hand force, vibration as felt through the floor (whole body vibration), and with an index of multiple exposures in both tool users and non-tool users. Additional associations with contact stress and awkward upper extremity postures were found in tool users. Segmental vibration was not associated with VTs. Further epidemiologic and laboratory studies are needed to confirm the associations found. The association with self-reported whole body vibration exposure suggests a possible sympathetic nervous system effect, which remains to be explored. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Automobiles Ergonomics Manufacturing And Industrial Facilities Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety Vibration
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Vibrotactile Thresholds Automotive Industry Manufacturing MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Occupational Exposures Posture Upper Extremities Vibration Exposure Whole Body Vibration Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

  More +
• ISSN:
  0014-0139
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Connecticut ; Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  66-77
• Volume:
  48
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20056713
• Citation:
  Ergonomics 2005 Jan; 48(1):66-77
• Contact Point Address:
  J.E. Gold, Department of Work Environment, 1 University Ave., University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
• Email:
  Judith_Gold@uml.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2005
• Performing Organization:
  University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19980901
• Source Full Name:
  Ergonomics
• End Date:
  20040630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:b15ffdca803de1bb6fa71a967a94caf00f24bbe8fad0fe163cbbd780338eb825c22fd52d0ebf95a89a21cacf5389f550b4a33cba5e51a2d7204d5d6c6eadded1
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/214265/cdc_214265_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 303.01 KB ]