Adverse health effects of hand-transmitted vibration

Mechanical vibration arises from a wide variety of processes and operations performed in industry, mining and construction, forestry and agriculture, and public utilities. Hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) occurs when the vibration enters the body through the hands, e.g. in various work processes where rotating or percussive power tools or vibrating workpieces are held by the hands or fingers. Prolonged exposures to HTV from powered processes or tools are associated with an increased occurrence of symptoms and signs of disorders in the vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems of the upper limbs. The complex of these disorders is called Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).