Health and safety management of hand-arm vibration : preconditions and outcomes
(2023)- Abstract
- The overall aim of the research presented in this thesis was to gain increased knowledge and understanding of aspects and actors that contribute to the preconditions and outcomes for proactive health and safety management
regarding vibration exposure. The main objectives were: 1) to investigate carpenters´ perceptions of the proactive health and safety management at their work sites, and 2) to carry out an exploratory investigation of the aspects
and actors that can influence the implementation of planned change processes in four industries regarding lowvibration hand-held power tools. Evaluations were conducted by means of field observations, a questionnaire and exploratory semi-structured interviews.
Exposure to hand-arm... (More) - The overall aim of the research presented in this thesis was to gain increased knowledge and understanding of aspects and actors that contribute to the preconditions and outcomes for proactive health and safety management
regarding vibration exposure. The main objectives were: 1) to investigate carpenters´ perceptions of the proactive health and safety management at their work sites, and 2) to carry out an exploratory investigation of the aspects
and actors that can influence the implementation of planned change processes in four industries regarding lowvibration hand-held power tools. Evaluations were conducted by means of field observations, a questionnaire and exploratory semi-structured interviews.
Exposure to hand-arm vibration from hand-held power tools can result in the development of vibration injuries over time. Being afflicted by these types of injuries may have far-reaching consequences for the individual, for industries and for society. Many are affected by these disorders and among Swedish men, vibration injury is the most common compensated work injury. The obligations and rights of employers and employees concerning exposure to vibration are legally regulated. However, deficiencies have been seen in employers’ compliance with the vibration regulations. Several aspects and actors interact around this issue. Hence, a holistic and exploratory view is needed to determine the contributing aspects and actors that influence the preconditions for proactive health and safety management in order to reduce vibration exposure and injuries.
The conclusions of the two studies were that companies could improve their knowledge concerning vibration, their awareness of the risks involved, their communication between employees, and between employees and management.
Leadership has an important role in ensuring that information is provided on how to avoid harmful exposures. The understanding and acceptance of new tools are central, and tool manufacturers have a central role in ensuring that a range of low-vibration tools is available. Change processes must be well-designed where employees are involved and participate in the change in working practices. Only then can acceptance be created for the impact of new tools on working methods and craftsmanship, and the implementation can result in changes in a workplace culture where low-vibration tools are considered a natural part of the job. The research highlights the importance of improving the proactive health and safety management regarding vibration, and of raising awareness about vibration exposure and injuries in companies. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/86ddcd36-e819-43b8-9dab-5509bcf50507
- author
- Fisk, Karin LU
- supervisor
- organization
- publishing date
- 2023
- type
- Thesis
- publication status
- published
- subject
- pages
- 72 pages
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 86ddcd36-e819-43b8-9dab-5509bcf50507
- date added to LUP
- 2024-02-23 08:42:26
- date last changed
- 2024-03-05 15:02:08
@misc{86ddcd36-e819-43b8-9dab-5509bcf50507,
abstract = {{The overall aim of the research presented in this thesis was to gain increased knowledge and understanding of aspects and actors that contribute to the preconditions and outcomes for proactive health and safety management<br/>regarding vibration exposure. The main objectives were: 1) to investigate carpenters´ perceptions of the proactive health and safety management at their work sites, and 2) to carry out an exploratory investigation of the aspects<br/>and actors that can influence the implementation of planned change processes in four industries regarding lowvibration hand-held power tools. Evaluations were conducted by means of field observations, a questionnaire and exploratory semi-structured interviews.<br/><br/>Exposure to hand-arm vibration from hand-held power tools can result in the development of vibration injuries over time. Being afflicted by these types of injuries may have far-reaching consequences for the individual, for industries and for society. Many are affected by these disorders and among Swedish men, vibration injury is the most common compensated work injury. The obligations and rights of employers and employees concerning exposure to vibration are legally regulated. However, deficiencies have been seen in employers’ compliance with the vibration regulations. Several aspects and actors interact around this issue. Hence, a holistic and exploratory view is needed to determine the contributing aspects and actors that influence the preconditions for proactive health and safety management in order to reduce vibration exposure and injuries.<br/><br/>The conclusions of the two studies were that companies could improve their knowledge concerning vibration, their awareness of the risks involved, their communication between employees, and between employees and management.<br/>Leadership has an important role in ensuring that information is provided on how to avoid harmful exposures. The understanding and acceptance of new tools are central, and tool manufacturers have a central role in ensuring that a range of low-vibration tools is available. Change processes must be well-designed where employees are involved and participate in the change in working practices. Only then can acceptance be created for the impact of new tools on working methods and craftsmanship, and the implementation can result in changes in a workplace culture where low-vibration tools are considered a natural part of the job. The research highlights the importance of improving the proactive health and safety management regarding vibration, and of raising awareness about vibration exposure and injuries in companies.}},
author = {{Fisk, Karin}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Licentiate Thesis}},
title = {{Health and safety management of hand-arm vibration : preconditions and outcomes}},
url = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/172576285/Lic_avh_Karin_Fisk_utan_papers.pdf}},
year = {{2023}},
}