Hand Arm Vibration
The use of powered hand tools causes mechanical energy in the form of vibration to propagate to the user's hand and arm. This vibration, known as Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV), can affect the health and readiness of soldiers and workers. The relevant literature on the effects of long-term high-intensity HAV indicates an increased prevalence to occupational illnesses including Raynaud's syndrome as well as other WMSDs. For workers whose occupation exposes them to HAV,
a one-page poster on how you can avoid Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is available for download.
The APHC Ergonomics Program can assess an injury risk associated with exposure to HAV. Through vibration analysis, the severity and probability of injury for crew positions can be assessed and a Risk Assessment Code (RAC) assigned. So individuals can estimate possible HAV at their location, we have linked to our
Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) Exposure Pocket Guide. This guide allows individuals to prioritize HAV exposures by making a very rough estimate of workers' exposure at their installation for follow-up measurement and control.
Whole Body Vibration
Vehicle movement causes mechanical energy in the form of vibration to propagate the vehicle's structure. In turn, the vibration of the vehicle is transmitted to the occupants through various contact points such as the seat and floor. This vibration, known as Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), can affect the health and readiness of the soldiers. The relevant literature of the effects of long-term high-intensity WBV indicates an increased health risk to the lumbar spine and the connected nervous system of the segments affected. The APHC Ergonomics Program assesses the injury risk associated with exposure to WBV. Through use of a program called JOLT, the severity and probability of injury for crew positions can be assessed and a Risk Assessment Code (RAC) assigned. System developers involved in designing or conducting WBV tests may obtain the most recent guidance describing formatting of test data by contacting the
Health Hazard Assessment Program.
Mechanical Stress
Our program currently assesses risks related to exposures to mechanical stress from lifting, carrying and interacting with equipment. Our staff will visit your installation or perform work remotely depending on the level of detail needed to assess any job, equipment or process that you feel needs attention. We assess typical work areas such as office workstations, laboratories and industrial environments as well as specialized tasks involving vibration exposures or military specific equipment.
The assessment methodologies used for Health Hazard Assessment can also be applied to other physical activities that are encountered while performing tasks at work.
System developers may find the following information pages helpful. They contain information about the assessment methods used by the APHC Ergonomics Program for Health Hazard Assessment.
Contact us for more information.
