Industrial vibration in Latvia

Both hand and arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) is widespread in work processes cormected with the manufacturing and processing of different materials, as well as with operation and maintenance of different machines and equipment. Both type vibrations present one of the most important risk factors in the branches like timber processing and wood felling, metal processing, manufacturing, maintenance and repair of transport, construction, power production, food production. The aim of our study was investigate vibration as occupational health risk- conduct a survey and self-evaluation of health of the employees, carry out vibration measurements in the different workplaces and to advise recommended practises for optimization working conditions. The employee's survey was conducted with specially prepared questionnaires. Employers (N=1058) were asked to assess the number of employees in their companies who are exposed to vibration created by hand instruments, machines, etc. and vibration created by transport. Employees (N=2455) were asked questions similar to those asked the employers - to what extent are you exposed to (vibration created by hand instruments, machines, etc. or vibration created by transport, etc.). For the evaluation, sampling analysis modem equipment were used. The results of analysis of employee's questionnaires and of measurements show that vibration risk factor is a very topical issue and has been underestimated, particularly in branches like manufacturing of timber wood products construction, metal processing etc. The number of vibration caused occupational diseases in the last years has grown both in absolute figures and in percentage of the total number of occupational diseases, and this gives evidence that the ratio of vibration caused occupational diseases in Latvia is growing. It proves that in these sectors the attention of the employers should be turned to the necessity to carry out labour protection activities aimed at the prevention of possible after-effects.