Occupational disease
Occupational disease due to whole body vibration
Apr
Vibration is a mechanical phenomenon of oscillation generated by engines and production tools when their center of gravity or axis of symmetry moves in space periodically. Vibrations can occur vertically, horizontally, or in multiple directions.
Occupational diseases caused by whole-body vibration are among the common health issues for people working in environments affected by vibration, such as drivers of heavy vehicles, excavator operators, bulldozer operators, crane operators, or workers standing on floors to operate machinery, etc.
Occupational disease due to whole-body vibration is a serious condition that can significantly impact the health and quality of life of affected workers. However, understanding of this disease is still limited among many people, leading to improper prevention and treatment.
1. What is an occupational disease caused by whole-body vibration?
Whole-body vibration (WBV) primarily has a low frequency from 2 to 20 Hz. It occurs when machinery and equipment generate vibrations that impact the worker’s entire body in a standing posture (through the legs) or seated posture (through the buttocks).
This disease causes lumbar spine injuries due to mechanical vibration exposure during work.
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2. Occupations at risk of whole-body vibration-related diseases
Occupational disease from whole-body vibration is common among people working in environments with continuous and prolonged vibration exposure. Common occupations and sources of exposure include:
- Heavy vehicle drivers: Individuals who spend long periods driving.
- Operators of construction machinery such as tractors, excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, rollers, etc.
- Operators of industrial machinery and equipment: crane booms, crushers, oil drilling rigs, etc.
Additionally, any occupation involving machinery and equipment generating vibrations can increase the risk of WBV-related occupational disease.
3. Mechanism and causes of whole-body vibration occupational disease
The primary mechanism causing WBV occupational disease is the mechanical vibration producing continuous oscillations and movement, subjecting the body to forces. During this process, muscles and bones vibrate, generating friction and motion that create sound waves transmitted through the body, affecting blood vessels, nerves, bones, and other tissues. When these forces occur continuously over a long period, the body does not have enough time to recover, resulting in damage and health deterioration.
The main cause of WBV occupational disease is continuous vibration exposure over time. Other factors, such as vibration frequency, intensity, exposure duration, exercise habits, diet, and lifestyle, can also influence disease development. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, WBV-related occupational disease can cause serious consequences and reduce the quality of life for affected workers.
4. Symptoms and harms of whole-body vibration occupational disease
Workers affected by WBV occupational disease often present with symptoms such as:
- General fatigue, headache, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Statistics show that heavy vehicle operators often experience severe fatigue and frequent insomnia after each shift.
- Lower back pain is prominent, occurring more than 5 times per year, with severe discomfort restricting movement, requiring assistance. Additional symptoms may include chest pain, heartburn, bloating, possible gastric bleeding, urinary discomfort, and cloudy or reddish urine.
- Most WBV cases are diagnosed after lumbar spine X-rays reveal vertebral compression, disc herniation, or deformation. Additional procedures like gastroscopy, abdominal, and urinary ultrasound may be performed as needed to support diagnosis.
5. Protective equipment to prevent WBV occupational disease
To prevent WBV occupational disease, workers in high-risk industries should be equipped with protective gear, including:
- Protective gloves to shield hands and wrists from strong impacts while reducing vibration and friction.
- Safety shoes to protect the feet from impacts while minimizing vibration and friction.
- Protective clothing to safeguard the body against strong impacts and continuous vibration exposure.
Protective equipment is essential in safeguarding workers from WBV-related occupational disease. Proper training in use and maintenance is necessary to ensure effectiveness.
6. Compensation for workers with WBV occupational disease
According to Vietnam’s Social Insurance Law, workers with WBV occupational disease may receive compensation as follows:
- Workers are entitled to compensation for health damage based on the law. The amount depends on the severity of health impairment and work capacity.
- Access to healthcare and treatment to alleviate symptoms.
- If unable to continue in their current occupation, workers are supported with retraining or vocational education.
- Other benefits may include health insurance, social insurance, dependent allowances, and leave entitlements.
Workers must provide documentation proving WBV occupational disease and treatment history to claim benefits.
7. Treatment of WBV occupational disease
Treatment methods include:
- Ceasing or reducing exposure to vibrating machinery for prolonged periods.
- Using vibration-damping equipment like gloves, shoes, or goggles.
- Pain medication as prescribed by a physician.
- Regular exercise and massage of affected body areas to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, sufficient rest, and avoiding stimulants like alcohol or tobacco.
- Regular health monitoring to detect and treat WBV-related issues early.
Diagnosis and treatment should be overseen by experienced medical professionals.
8. Prevention of WBV occupational disease
Preventing WBV requires selecting suitable equipment, using anti-vibration protective gear, and adhering to workplace regulations. Prevention measures include:
- Reducing vibration frequency at the workplace.
- Avoiding work with vibration-generating equipment.
- Reducing time spent using vibrating equipment.
Training programs are effective for raising awareness and instructing proper use and maintenance of machinery to avoid unnecessary vibration exposure.
9. Employer responsibilities in preventing WBV occupational disease
Employers are responsible for ensuring employee safety, including:
- Minimizing exposure to vibration-generating equipment.
- Providing protective equipment like gloves and shoes.
- Training employees in WBV prevention and safe equipment use.
- Regular health checks to detect early symptoms and provide timely intervention.
- Offering compensation, medical treatment, and retraining if necessary.
- Conducting workplace environmental monitoring and reporting results regularly to improve the work environment.
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