Manuscript Title:

THE RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HAND-ARM VIBRATION AMONG WORKERS IN AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Author:

SUHAIRI ABDULLAH, NURHAYATI MOHD NUR

DOI Number:

DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/BAZV7

Published : 2021-12-31

About the author(s)

1. SUHAIRI ABDULLAH - Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology, Dengkil, Malaysia.
2. NURHAYATI MOHD NUR - Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology, Dengkil, Malaysia

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the risk factors associated with hand-arm vibration while performing tasks using hand-held vibrating tools. The risk factors associated with hand-arm vibration exposure were identified based on the review from the selected previous studies. As a result, a conceptual framework is developed and proposed. The proposed conceptual framework is formulated with three significant elements; manual handling task risk factors, sources of hand-arm vibration and physiological responses. The risk of hand-arm vibrations mainly comes from manual handling activities. The factors involved are force, posture, repetition and task time. The factors such as the type of tool used, the frequency of vibration level, and the duration of vibration exposure are also included in the framework as these factors are found to influence the level of hand-arm vibration risk. All the mentioned factors are categorized as independent variables. Meanwhile, the dependent variable is the physiological response resulted from the handgrip strength and the muscle activities. The relationship between all these factors will be further investigated and verified through the experimental task study. The results will provide knowledge in managing risks of hand-arm vibration exposure and help to improve the safety and health of the workers in the workplace.


Keywords

hand-arm vibration, aircraft parts, assembly process.