Effectiveness of an occupational health intervention program to reduce whole body vibration exposure: an evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design.
BACKGROUND
An effective intervention program aiming to reduce whole body vibration (WBV) exposure at work will reduce the number of low back complaints in the near future.


METHODS
An evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design. Nine companies and 126 drivers were included in the study. Cluster randomization on company level divided the drivers and their employers in an intervention group and a "care-as-usual" group. At baseline (T0) and intervention program was implemented and evaluated after 7 months (T1). The main outcome measure was WBV exposure. Process measures included knowledge, attitude, and (intended) behavior towards reduction of WBV exposure for the drivers and knowledge and WBV policy for the employers.


RESULTS
At T1, no significant reduction was found in WBV exposure within both groups compared with T0.


CONCLUSIONS
Probably due to poor to moderate compliance, the intervention program was not effective in reducing the WBV exposure on group level but small reductions in WBV exposure are possible when intervention compliance is high.
Tiemessen
Ivo J H
IJ
Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hulshof
Carel T J
CT
Frings-Dresen
Monique H W
MH
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*