Project

Preventing, identifying, diagnosing and continuing to work with hand-arm vibration syndrome

Vibration of the hands affects the peripheral nervous system, blood circulation and musculoskeletal system. If prolonged, vibration of the hands can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, which is a common and often underdiagnosed occupational disease. Hand-arm vibration syndrome can impair functional capacity and work ability and lead to early retirement.
According to new recommendations for diagnostics of hand-arm vibration syndrome, sensorineural symptoms are to be assessed in addition to paleness of the fingers in suspected occupational disease cases.
The symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome are permanent and there are no effective medical treatments available. This highlights the importance of risk assessment, for which employers are responsible, as well as the preventive measures based on it.

Timetable

1/2026-12/2028

Objectives

The aim of the study is to improve the identification and prevention of hand-arm vibration syndrome and promote work ability support. We also promote the implementation of exposure and risk assessment tools at workplaces.

Objectives:

Improve work ability support for patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome and investigate its long-term effects.
Improve vibration exposure assessment and risk management at workplaces.
Support occupational health care’s competence and practices related to vibration exposure in workplace surveys, occupational health co-operation and medical examinations.

Data and methods

The study is divided into four parts.

The patient register and followup study uses patient register data from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health’s Clinic of Occupational Medicine from 2009-2023 and 2025-2026.
- People who have been examined due to a suspicion of hand-arm vibration syndrome are sent a follow-up questionnaire to survey the symptoms, effects on work ability and functional capacity as well as rehabilitation experiences.
A workplace survey carried out in collaboration with selected organisations. The study focuses on risk assessment, risk management and work ability support practices as well as factors that promote and prevent these practices.
A national survey for occupational safety and health personnel. The survey provides information on the assessment and management of exposure.
A survey aimed at occupational health care operators. The survey complements the research data on the prevention of hand-arm vibration syndrome, work ability support and workplace co-operation.

Results and impact

The project will produce:

instructions for workplaces on vibration exposure risk assessment of and the use of work equipment.
an occupational health care screening and instruction model that improves the workplace survey process and occupational health monitoring in workplaces where personnel are exposed to hand-arm vibration.