Evaluation of an occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration in forklift truck drivers: a controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration (WBV) in forklift truck drivers.


METHODS
An experimental pretest/post-test control group study design. The authors trained occupational health services (OHS) in the experimental group in the use of the programme. OHS in the control group were asked to deliver care as usual. In total, 15 OHS, 32 OHS professionals, 26 companies, and 260 forklift drivers were involved. Post-test measurements were carried out one year after the start of the programme.


RESULTS
Baseline data before the start of the programme showed no difference between experimental and control group. Results of the outcome evaluation indicate a slight, although not statistically significant, reduction of WBV exposure in the experimental group (p = 0.06). Process evaluation revealed a positive influence on company policy toward WBV, attitude and intended behaviour of forklift drivers, and a trend towards an increase in knowledge of OHS professionals and company managers. The number of observed control measures with a major impact (levelling of surface and reduction of speed) was rather low. In those cases where control measures had been taken, there was a significant reduction in WBV exposure. This limited effect of the programme might be caused by the short period of follow up and the dropout of participants. The feasibility and the usefulness of the programme within the OHS setting were rated good by the participants.


CONCLUSIONS
This programme to decrease WBV exposure was partially effective. Significant effects on intermediate objectives were observed. More research on the effectiveness of intervention in the field of WBV is needed.
Hulshof
C T J
CT
Academic Medical Center, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Research Institute AmCOGG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.t.hulshof@amc.uva.nl
Verbeek
J H A M
JH
Braam
I T J
IT
Bovenzi
M
M
van Dijk
F J H
FJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017132:Workplace