Physical hazards

Dr Majid Golabadi

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS

Physical ChemicalBiologicalErgonomic Psychosocial

PHYSICAL HAZARDS Noise Temperature VibrationRadiation Atmospheric pressure

TemperatureHeatCold

Noise

Hearing loss

VibrationWhole body Hand arm

Radiation Ionizing

Alpha,ß,X,gama

Non-ionizingEMF, Radiofrequency ,MicrowaveInfrared (IR), Visible ,Ultraviolet (UV)

Atmospheric pressure

CompressDecompression (caisson )

Vibration

8-10 million workers in the USA

exposed to occupational vibration.

Of these 7 million: Whole Body

Vibration.

Others: Hand Arm Vibration.

InjuryLoss of equilibriumNauseaHAVSCTS

Truck drivers & heavy equipment operators:Lumbar spinal disordersHemorrhoidsHerniaGI problemsUrinary tract problemsResult of extended sitting+ vibration

Resonance (amplification):Vibration of the same frequency .WBV: 5 Hz

WBV: <20 HZCritical :3-5 Hz Discomfort:2-11 HzMusculoskeletal, neurologic, circulatory, and

digestive system disorders.Visual performance impairment: 10-25Hz

LBP ,intervertebral disc damage, spinal degeneration, intervertebral osteochondrosis, calcification of discs.

Reproductive effects: SAB, congenital malformation, menstrual changes.

Vibration sickness: GI problems, decreased visual acuity,

labyrintine disorders, intense musculoskeletal pain.

Vibration induced white finger (HAVS)

Ranging from 5-1500 HzUsually 125-300 Hz

Cumulative trauma: at least 2000 hours and usually over 8000 hours.

HAVS:Spasm of digital arteries (raynaud

phenomenon): damage of Peripheral nerveVascular tissueSubcutaneous tissueBonesjoints

Pathology:

Arterial muscle wall hypertrophyDemyelinating pripheral neuropathyConnective tissue depositionMicro vascular occlusion

Clinical findings:

Severe attacks:15 minutes to 2hours remove from exposures: reversible in 50%

symptoms:

Tingling then numbness then white finger in

cold.

Intermittent blanching of tip of one finger.

Progress to tip and base of all fingers.

Progress to summer season.

Advanced cases:Degeneration of bone & cartilage resulting:Joint stiffness, restriction of motion, arthralgia.Manual dexterity may decrease.Clumsiness may increase.

Diagnosis:Exposure history & response to cold.Association with Raynaud phenomenon.Exclusion of idiopathic Raynaud disease &

other causes of Raynaud phenomenon.

Other causes of Raynaud phenomenon:TraumaFrostbiteOcclusive vascular diseaseConnective tissue disordersNeurogenic disordersDrug intoxicationVinyl chloride monomer

Prevention:

Wearing glovesKeep the hands warmPrevent long period of exposuresTrainingAvoidance from:Vasoactive drugs & cigarette smoking

Treatment:Removal from exposureMassaging, shaking, placing in warm water

For intractable episodes:Nifedipin 30-40mg/dayThymoxamine For more sever cases:StanozololPGEBiofeedback & surgical sympathectomy