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Proposal of Combined Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration Index for Occupational Exposure: Application to a Study Case in the Olive Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Raquel Nieto-Álvarez

    (Department of Architectural Graphic Expression and Engineering, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • María L. de la Hoz-Torres

    (Department of Building Construction, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Antonio J. Aguilar

    (Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • María Dolores Martínez-Aires

    (Department of Building Construction, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Diego P. Ruiz

    (Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

In many production and industrial sectors, workers are exposed to noise and hand-arm vibrations (HAV). European directives have established the maximum limit values or exposure action values for noise and vibration independently. However, in many cases, workers who endure hand-arm vibration also receive high noise levels. This research suggests a procedure to aid the establishment of precautionary measures for workers with simultaneous exposure to both physical agents. This procedure defines a combined index based on the energy doses for both noise and HAV. From this combined index, the suggested methodology allows a recommended exposure time for workers with simultaneous noise and HAV exposure to be calculated. This methodology can be adapted to tackle the relative importance assigned to both agents according to the safety manager and new knowledge on combined health effects. To test this method, a measurement campaign under real working conditions was conducted with workers from the olive fruit-harvesting sector, where a variety of hand-held machinery is used. The results of the study case show that the suggested procedure can obtain reliable exposure time recommendations for simultaneous noise and HAV exposures and is therefore a useful tool for establishing prevention measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Raquel Nieto-Álvarez & María L. de la Hoz-Torres & Antonio J. Aguilar & María Dolores Martínez-Aires & Diego P. Ruiz, 2022. "Proposal of Combined Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration Index for Occupational Exposure: Application to a Study Case in the Olive Sector," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-23, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14345-:d:961224
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Angela Calvo & Christian Preti & Maria Caria & Roberto Deboli, 2019. "Vibration and Noise Transmitted by Agricultural Backpack Powered Machines Critically Examined Using the Current Standards," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Adam Sheppard & Massimo Ralli & Antonio Gilardi & Richard Salvi, 2020. "Occupational Noise: Auditory and Non-Auditory Consequences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Angel M. Dzhambov & Peter Lercher, 2019. "Road Traffic Noise Exposure and Depression/Anxiety: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-22, October.
    4. Angel M. Dzhambov & Peter Lercher, 2019. "Road Traffic Noise Exposure and Birth Outcomes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-20, July.
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