Hand-arm vibration exposure assessment among farmers using agricultural tools in Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration on agricultural tools can affect hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure among farmers using agricultural tools. A convenience sampling method was used to select 76 farmers from Nong Suea district in Pathum Thani province. A three-part questionnaire generated data that included demographics, work conditions, and vibration measurement with VM31. Data analysis was performed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results revealed that most farmers were men (73.7%), with average age of 48.6 years (SD=10.0). The farmers had experience for working involved using vibrating agricultural tools with average of 18.4 years (SD=11.4). The results of HAV exposure indicated that 60.5% of farmers were at the low risk level (dose-response <5.0 m/s2 (A8)), followed by the high risk with 39.5 % (dose-response ≥5.0 m/s2 (A8)). The mean of HAV exposure categorized by agricultural tools were walking tractor of 11.2 m/s2 (SD=0.3), brush cutter of 4.7 m/s2 (SD=1.0), and backpack sprayer of 2.4 m/s2 (SD=0.6). The results of the study revealed that the farmers had a high dose-response of HAVS. This information can be utilized for the occupational health and safety management of farmers' exposure to vibration from the use of walking tractors, backpack brush cutters, and backpack sprayers. This study suggests that exposure duration should also be considered.