Investigation on occupational hand-arm vibration disease in a golf club manufacturing company

Objective To explore the etiology of 93 cases of occupational hand-arm vibration disease(HAVD) in a golf club manufacturer, so as to provide scientific basis for hazard control of HAVD. Methods The investigation on occupational hazards and occupational health work was made. The records of regular monitoring and health examination in this enterprise, the original data of identification and diagnosis of HAVD were evaluated. Results The examination of 4-hour energy-equivalent frequency-weighted vibrating accelerationa_hw(4) showed that the percentile 25, 50 and 75 for 27 hand-transmitted vibration posts, were 3.09,7.68 and 15.6 m/s²,respectively. The a_hw(4) for 17 points(62.96%) were higher than the national occupational exposure limits(5 m/s²)in GBZ 2.2-2007. The variation of median value of a_hw(4) for 3 kinds of operations, fine grinding, rough grinding and polishing were significant(H=229.52,P<0.01); Further pair comparison showed the value was in the order:fine grinding > rough grinding > polishing. From 2010 to 2013, 198 cases were found as the observed objects and suspected HAVD. Ninety-three cases were diagnosed as HAVD among 107 cases who applied for the occupational disease diagnosis. The incidence rate of exposed workers was 32.07%(93/290). The characterizations of these cases were:46 cases with mild(49.46%),42 cases with moderate(45.16%)and 5 cases with severe degree; the average age of onset, 37.6±4.7 (25.2 to 49.1)years old; the average exposure time, 9.5±3.6 (0.8 to 19) years. The incidence of HAVD was positively related to αhw(4)values at different processing positions, in the order:fine grinding > rough grinding > polishing. Conclusion The hand-transmitted vibration in this workplace was serious. The main cause of HAVD was the excessive and overtime exposure to variation. It was obvious that there was insufficient or lack of service on detection of vibration at workplaces and early examination and treatment of hand-arm vibration disease in Guangdong Province. The related enterprises and government should recognize such hazards through improving working conditions and carrying out the occupational health surveillance.