Cherniack M, Brammer AJ, Lundstrom R, Meyer JD, Morse TF, Neely G, Nilsson T, Peterson D, Toppila E, Warren N. The Hand-Arm Vibration International Consortium (HAVIC): Prospective Studies on the Relationship Between Power Tool Exposure and Health Effects.
J Occup Environ Med 2007;
49:289-301. [PMID:
17351515 DOI:
10.1097/jom.0b013e31803225df]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The Hand-Arm Vibration International Consortium (HAVIC) is a collaboration of investigators from Europe and North America studying health effects from hand-arm vibration (HAV). Features include prospective design, cross-cohort exposure, and health assessment methods.
METHODS
Two new cohorts (dental hygienists and dental hygiene students), two existing cohorts (Finnish forest workers, and Swedish truck cab assemblers), and a previous population (US shipyard workers) are included. Instruments include surveys, quantitative medical tests, physical examination, and work simulation and data logging to assess exposure. New methods were developed for nerve conduction and data logging.
RESULTS
Findings on the relationship between nerve conduction and skin temperature in HAV-exposed subjects resulted in a new approach to subject warming.
CONCLUSIONS
Integrating established cohorts has advantages over de novo cohort construction. Complex laboratory tests can be successfully adapted for field use.
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