Health-care barriers for workers with HAVS in Ontario, Canada

Raising awareness of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) using posters

BACKGROUND

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by prolonged occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Although HAVS is preventable, disease awareness and prevention knowledge are lacking in high-risk workplaces; this may contribute to under-diagnosis, delays in seeking care, and poor health outcomes. Posters may be used to increase awareness in the workplace.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a pilot survey in workers with HAVS about poster use in their workplaces, their recommendations for poster campaigns and training programs, and their evaluation of HAVS awareness and prevention posters.

METHODS

All eligible HAVS patients in the Occupational Health Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital, in Toronto, Canada, were asked to complete a questionnaire on workplace poster use and to evaluate a set of HAVS posters.

RESULTS

Fifty workers participated; almost all were males, aged 50 and older, working in construction. Most indicated having non-HAVS specific awareness posters in their workplaces. There was a positive evaluation of the design, content, and potential usefulness of the posters. The poster depicting finger blanching stood out most. The poster depicting anti-vibration gloves rated highest for relatability and effectiveness at conveying disease importance.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants supported the proposed use of industry-specific HAVS awareness posters in their workplaces. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these posters in the workplace.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome: Workers' experience with functional impairment and disability

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative and descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a prevalent disease in Canada. There is little work on the perspectives of HAVS patients.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Explore perceptions of disability and functional compromise in patients with HAVS.

METHODS

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with HAVS patients and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

The 11 participants reported numbness, pain, and reduced dexterity, strength, and sensation. Participants noted that HAVS was an inevitable aspect of their work. They indicated frustration with their condition and viewed it as a disability. To overcome impairments risky strategies are often used. Participants reported lack of support to manage symptoms and overcome work disability.

DISCUSSION

HAVS related impairment is disabling. Workers require improved resources and support to address symptom management and safe strategies to minimize work disability.

CONCLUSION

HAVS patients experience functional, social, emotional, and psychological disability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable.