Impact of Hand-Arm Vibration on Grip and Pinch Strength of Jackhammer Operators: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure on grip and pinch strength among jackhammer operators in underground mining, with emphasis on dose-response relationships. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 participants (35 jackhammer operators and 37 unexposed mine workers) matched by age, gender, BMI, and work experience. HAV exposure, grip strength, and pinch strength were assessed using standard protocols. The average daily HAV exposure for jackhammer operators exceeded the recommended limit of 5 m/s 2 (EU Directive, ACGIH). Exposed workers showed significantly reduced grip and pinch strength ( P < 0.05). A strong inverse relationship was observed between lifetime vibration dose (ln (LVD)) and grip and pinch strength (R 2 = 0.79-0.83). Prolonged HAV exposure significantly reduces hand function, necessitating preventive measures and ergonomic interventions to mitigate its long-term effects in industrial settings.