title: [The health condition of forest workers exposed to noise and vibration produced by chain saws].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lumberjacks' working conditions are difficult due to the presence of numerous occupational hazards. Physical factors that pose a health risk are noise and vibration produced by chain saws. Excessive exposure of lumberjacks to noise and vibration can lead to the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome and hearing loss. The aim of the work was to analyze the health condition of forestry workers exposed to occupational physical hazards.
  
  
  METHODS
  A preliminary, questionnaire-based assessment of health status was conducted in 22 chain saw operators. In a group of 15 forestry workers audiometry, vibrotactile perception thresholds and cold provocation test were performed. X-ray diagnostic imaging of upper limbs was also done. At the same time noise and vibration produced by chain saws used in forestry was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vascular or neurological disorders were found in nearly half of tested workers with seniority from 2 to 20 years; 40% of the surveyed was diagnosed with hearing impairment. An 8-hour energy equivalent vibration level measured on chain saws was 4.6 m/s2. An 8-hour equivalent sound pressure level was 99.1 dB(A).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The threshold limit values for noise and vibration are exceeded at woodcutters' posts. There are changes in lumberjacks' health resulting from exposure to harmful physical agents. Preventive actions are urgently needed to be addressed, especially to people employed in single-handed forestry companies.
authors: Slaski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Katowice Zakład Ochrony Zdrowia w Srodowisku Pracy, Wydział Zdrowia Publicznego. jmalinowska@sum.edu.pl
authors: Jolanta
authors: J
authors: Malinowska-Borowska
authors: Violetta
authors: V
authors: Socholik
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Harazin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D016468:Forestry; D053421:Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006304:Health Status; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult