The presented work analyzes the occurrence of occupational diseases caused by vibrations among employees in the Prešov Region. Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 126 suspected occupational diseases were investigated, of which vibration disease was confirmed in 30 cases. This represents approximately 24% of all cases reviewed.

Effective prevention of vibration-related risks, including the introduction of protective measures and systematic training of employees, is essential to ensure the health and safety of workers across various industries.

Abstract: Exposure to vibrations in the workplace represents a significant occupational hazard that can adversely affect workers' physical well-being and long-term health. Vibrations occur across various sectors, particularly in industry, construction, transportation and agriculture, where employees frequently use handheld tools, operate mechanical equipment or work with motor vehicles. Chronic exposure to vibrations can result in serious health complications, particularly affecting the musculoskeletal system, circulatory function and the nervous system.

This study examines the prevalence of occupational diseases attributable to vibrations among workers in the Prešov Region. Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 126 suspected cases of occupational disease were investigated, with 30 confirmed diagnoses of vibration-induced disorders, accounting for approximately 24% of all reviewed cases.

The implementation of effective preventive strategies, including protective measures and systematic employee education is crucial to safeguarding the health and safety of workers across multiple industries.

Vibrations in the work environment represent a significant physical risk factor that can adversely affect the health and functional capacity of employees. These are mechanical oscillations transmitted to the human body through the upper limbs (local vibrations) or the entire body (whole body vibrations). Chronic exposure to these vibrations can lead to a wide range of health disorders, including musculoskeletal diseases, peripheral nervous system damage, vascular system disorders, and other dysfunctions (Krajnak, 2018; Patterson et al., 2021; Halmai et al., 2024).

Considering the risks arising from vibration exposure, it is imperative that employers implement comprehensive measures to eliminate or minimize adverse health effects. These measures include the processing of operating procedures in accordance with legislative requirements, the performance of a qualified risk assessment, the provision of technically and ergonomically satisfactory working conditions and the introduction of a system of periodic medical supervision of exposed employees (Act No. 124/2006 Coll.).

The presented work provides an introductory overview of the issue of exposure to vibrations at the workplace and their impact on the health of employees, with a focus on the incidence of occupational diseases related to vibrations among workers in the Prešov region. In the next chapters, individual categories of vibrations, their biological effects on the human body and preventive measures aimed at reducing the level of exposure are analyzed in more detail.

Vibration sources

Vibrations in the working environment arise mainly from the mechanical vibration and shaking of machines, tools and objects.

Workers may be exposed to occupational vibrations when using electric or pneumatic hand tools or other machines, or when driving large transport, construction or agricultural vehicles. The source of vibrations are hand-held chainsaws, lawn mowers, polishers, pneumatic tools (pneumatic hammers, hammers, drills). Vibrations arise when grinding tools and products; when holding products that vibrate during processing; when demolishing objects using manual pneumatic hammers and jackhammers. Vibrations that occur when using a power hand tool and are transmitted from the tool to the arm-arm system are referred to as hand-borne vibrations. Vibrations can also be transmitted from a vibrating seat, through floors and platforms on which workers stand, and in these situations the point of contact is the feet, while affecting the entire organism. Exposure to vibrations of the whole body occurs e.g. in drivers of heavy trucks, tractors, bulldozers, excavators and other earth-moving machines, in miners when working with mining mechanisms, where the vibration amplitude is large enough to be transmitted to other parts of the body (Krajnak, 2018; Weier, 2020; Patterson et al., 2021; Gerger et al., 2023; Seidler et al., 2023; Thaper et al., 2023; Halmai et al., 2024).

Types of Vibration

Either a certain part of the body (hand) or the whole body is exposed to vibrations in the working environment. According to the way in which vibrations are transmitted from the source to the human body, they are divided into:

  • Vibrations transmitted to the hands (Hand-Arm Vibration, HAV) / local vibrations - arise when using electric hand tools and are transmitted from a.) the tool to the hand-arm system, i.e. from the vibrating part of the vibrating object/device/tool ​​(drill, grinder, pneumatic hammer, jackhammer, chainsaw, etc.) to the contact part of the body; possibly from b.) entire devices – the steering wheel in a car, where increased muscle tension limits the attenuation of vibrations, which then spread more easily through the hand and forearm to the entire arm. The transmission of vibrations is affected by the force with which the tool is held or controlled. Chronic exposure to these vibrations leads to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which has three basic components: 1. Vascular component, represented mainly by Vibration White Finger (VWF), which represents a form of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. 2. Sensorineural component, manifested by sensitivity disorders, paresthesias and reduced tactile discrimination. 3. Musculoskeletal component, including pain, reduced grip strength and fine motor disorders due to muscle and tendon overload (Shen and House, 2017; Krajnak, 2018; Gerger et al., 2023).
  • Vibrations transmitted to the whole body (Whole-Body Vibration, WBV) / general / whole body - when vibrations are transmitted to the whole body, to a standing, lying or sitting person as a whole through a support point, there is a typical risk to health at work due to swinging movements of the head and internal organs of the body from a vibrating seat, floor or platform, while they affect the whole organism, e.g. in drivers of heavy trucks, tractors, buses, harvesters, etc., in miners when working with mining mechanisms (Patterson et al., 2021; Halmai, 2024).
  • Local vibrations / special – vibrations that cannot be characterized as vibrations transmitted to the whole body, nor as vibrations transmitted to the hands, but are transmitted to a certain part of the body. They cause intense shaking of the thoracic and cervical spine and head, e.g. work with a brushcutter with the effect of vibrations on the head and spine, or carrying back sprayers, but also work with a portable motor carrier with the effect of vibrations on the thigh (Sýkorová, 2023; RUVZPO, 2024).

Vibration sickness

Vibration disease (other names: vibration disease, vibration syndrome) is an industrial disease that arises from long-term exposure to vibrations transmitted to the body, especially when working with manually controlled vibrating tools or machines. The development of the disease can also occur when operating means of transport, where the worker's upper limbs are in continuous contact with vibrations, e.g. while driving. In practice, this is one of the most common occupational diseases.

Vibration sickness is a medical condition that damages:

  • nervous system (neuropathy),
  • vascular system (vasospasm, so-called "white fingers"),
  • locomotor apparatus (pain in muscles, joints, degeneration of the spine).

The most significant negative impact of vibrations is manifested on the vascular system. The clinical picture of the disease develops in several stages. In the initial stage, the patient notices an increased sensitivity to temperature changes and mild pains in the hands. In the next stage of development, transient ischemia of the fingers appears, manifested by whiteness of the tips, reduced sensitivity, paresthesias (tingling, tingling). In the advanced stage, there is significant blue discoloration of the fingers, their swelling and, in the most severe cases, tissue necrosis.

However, vibration disease does not only affect blood vessels, but also the musculoskeletal system, especially the bones, joints, muscles and tendons of the upper limbs. In affected individuals, thinning of the bone tissue in the fingers and wrists is often observed, accompanied by pain that appears even at rest in the later stages. There is a deterioration of fine motor skills, which manifests itself e.g. reduced ability to write, hand tremors when grasping objects and reduced accuracy of hand movements during normal activities (EC, 2008; Liga proti bezpraviu, 2015).

In addition to the effects of vibrations, other accompanying factors also play an important role in the development of vibration sickness. Among the most important are the length of daily exposure to vibrations, the intensity of the work performed, the weight and technical condition of the working tools used, as well as the microclimatic conditions of the working environment. The frequency and length of work breaks, as well as exposure to cold and increased humidity, also have a significant impact (SAV, 2010). According to the List of occupational diseases, specified in Act no. 513/2006 Coll. on social insurance, appendix no. 1, vibration disease is registered under item no. 28 as a disease of the bones, joints, muscles, vessels and nerves of the limbs caused by vibrations. This disease is further divided into three subcategories:

  • 28.1: damage mainly to blood vessels and nerves due to vibrations,
  • 28.2: damage mainly to joints, bones, tendons and muscles,
  • 28.3: other or combined damage caused by vibration.

Illness from vibration is most often reported as a chronic illness, which means that the worker has been exposed to vibration for more than six months. Law no. 437/2004 Coll. on compensation for pain and difficulty in social application, considers this diagnosis as a reason for a point assessment of health damage, while the amount of point gain depends on the type and extent of the disability according to the above-mentioned categories (Act No. 513/2006 Coll., Act No. 437/2004 Coll.).

Pathophysiological mechanisms of vibration

The vibrations generated by electric and pneumatic hand tools represent an additional physical stress factor that can negatively affect the musculoskeletal, vascular and nervous systems through several mechanisms:

  1. Increased grip strength - as a result of the vibrations, there is a need to develop a higher force to maintain and control the tool stably, which increases the load on the muscles and tendons of the upper limbs.
  2. Neuromuscular reactions – vibrations transmitted to muscle groups can trigger a tonic reflex, i.e. j. involuntary reflex activation of muscles, or they can disrupt the coordination of motor units, which increases internal muscle tension and reduces their resistance to fatigue and microtraumas.
  3. Sensory disorders – vibration-induced paresthesias or numbness of the fingers and hands can impair proprioception and reduce the ability to apply adequate control force, which can lead to inefficient hand loading and increased risk of grasping.
  4. Mechanical overload – the transfer of dynamic forces through vibrating tools to bone and joint structures can lead to their excessive mechanical load, which increases the risk of degenerative changes and injuries (e.g. osteoarthritis, stress microfractures).
  5. Metabolic and cellular mechanisms – oxidative stress, increased formation of free radicals, local inflammation, microcirculation disorder, these factors lead to cell damage in target tissues and their gradual degeneration (Welcome et al., 2008; Charles et al., 2018).

Health risks resulting from vibrations

Exposure to both HAV and WBV vibrations leads to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar spine, neck and shoulders, peripheral vascular and sensorineural problems, and probably also to an increased incidence of prostate cancer and other diseases (Charles et al., 2018; Krajnak, 2018).

1. Vibrations transmitted to the hands

Long-term exposure to vibrations transmitted to the hands can lead to various health problems, such as:

  • Vibration White Finger Syndrome (VWFS, Raynaud's phenomenon) is a vascular disorder characterized by vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels in the area of the fingers, which is clinically manifested by their numbness, pain and a change in skin color (most often by pallor or cyanosis). This condition can be significantly exacerbated by exposure to cold and chronic exposure to mechanical vibrations. According to Bovenzi (2005), vibrations with a frequency range of 100-300 Hz are most responsible for these changes, which cause increased sensitization of peripheral tissues and at the same time cause a decrease in regional blood flow in exposed areas. The prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon ranges from 0% to 53% in different studies, with a mean of 22% (Nilson et al., 2017; Scholz et al., 2023).
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome – this is a condition in which pressure on the nerves in the wrist causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands; this problem is often associated with repetitive movements and vibrations; the prevalence varied from 7% to 35% in different studies, with a mean of 18% (Nilson et al., 2017; Rotaru-Zavaleanu et al., 2024).
  • Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint diseases – vibrations can damage the joints of the hands and wrists, leading to osteoarthritis and reduced mobility. However, tools with a lower frequency (10-60 Hz) are more likely to cause loss of muscle mass, fatigue of the muscles of the upper limb, and injuries to the elbow and shoulder joints (Krajnak, 2018).
  • Damage to peripheral nerves - long-term exposure to vibration can lead to damage to peripheral nerves in the hands, which is manifested by reduced tactile sensitivity, loss of manual dexterity, impaired motor performance and cold-induced vasospasm causing the fingers and hands to turn pale (Bovenzi, 2005; Krajnak, 2018).
  • Dupuytren's contracture (DC) and hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) – DC is a slowly progressive and irreversible disabling flexion of the fingers, resulting in impaired hand grip function; HHS is a hand condition with reduced blood flow to the hand and fingers (Gerger et al., 2023).
  • Systemic effects – exposure to HAV can also have systemic effects. Repeated exposure to vibrations transmitted to the hands can lead to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, hearing loss (independent of noise) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. HAVs are also associated with changes in the transcription of genes involved in the cell cycle and cancer development. These changes may be due to increased systemic inflammation and oxidative activity or may be the result of changes in blood flow to various organs (Krajnak, Waugh, 2018).

2. Whole body vibrations

Whole-body vibration is associated with serious health problems, especially for workers who use heavy machinery or vehicles. The most common consequences include:

  • Disorders of the spine and muscular system - long-term exposure to whole-body vibrations can lead to damage to the intervertebral discs, which increases the risk of back, neck, shoulder pain and other problems with the musculoskeletal system (Charles et al., 2018; Krajnak, 2018).
  • Low back syndrome - workers exposed to whole body vibration (lorry drivers) are more prone to lower back problems such as hernias, pain and muscle and joint degeneration. Vibrations from the truck and impacts from driving on rough roads can compress discs and stretch soft tissues, contributing to back pain (Charles et al., 2018; Krajnak, 2018; Patterson et al, 2021).
  • Impairment of the circulatory system – vibrations can negatively affect blood circulation, which increases the risk of heart and vascular diseases. Long-term exposure to vibrations can lead to deterioration of blood circulation in the lower limbs and increase the risk of thrombosis or other circulatory disorders (Krajnak, 2018; Maculewicz et al., 2023).
  • Disorders of the digestive system - some studies indicate that long-term exposure to whole-body vibrations can also affect the digestive system and cause chronic stomach pains or digestive problems (Krajnak, 2018).
  • Development of various neuropathies (Krajnak, 2018).
  • Headaches, dizziness, motion sickness - from vibrations and impacts that are transmitted to the neck and head (Krajnak, 2018).
  • Prostate cancer (Jones et al., 2014).
  • Other – the development of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic disorders (Krajnak, 2018).

However, workers exposed to whole-body vibration are often exposed to many other risk factors that may contribute to the development of these negative health effects. These risk factors include maintaining a static position for long periods of time, twisting or turning while sitting to see the area around the vehicle, and heavy lifting, which often occurs when loading or unloading a vehicle.

3. Inhalation of pollutants and whole-body vibrations

Some sensorineural and cardiovascular effects associated with exposure to whole-body vibration may be affected to some extent by concurrent exposure to toxic chemicals in the work environment. Truck drivers and construction workers are often exposed to diesel exhaust emissions from the heavy machinery they operate. According to research, inhaling these exhalates is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as asthma and some types of cancer (Lim et al., 2021).

At the same time, construction workers are exposed to dust particles generated during earthworks, wood cutting or concrete preparation. Research confirms that inhalation of these particles can lead to an increased incidence of diseases of the respiratory and possibly also the circulatory system (Iavicoli et al., 2017).

In agriculture, workers are exposed to the combined effects of vibrations and pesticides. Long-term exposure to pesticides is associated with a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathies, neurodegenerative diseases and reproductive disorders (Iavicoli et al., 2017; Ramirez-Santana et al., 2018; Thaper et al. 2023).

Exposure to vibrations in the work environment

In the following section, examples of the occurrence of vibrations in selected work sectors are presented together with their impact on the human body.

1. Transport, storage and distribution of goods, public services

Employees working in the areas of transport, storage, distribution and public services ensure the transport of goods and passengers in various ways - by air, road, rail or water transport. During these activities, they are exposed to various health risks. Frequent health problems include back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, motion sickness, as well as problems of a digestive, cardiovascular and peripheral sensory nature.

Many workers in this sector are not only exposed to whole-body vibrations, but also perform work that requires prolonged sitting. This combination may increase the risk of health problems in the lower abdomen, including disorders of the reproductive system. In addition, truck drivers and construction workers are often exposed to diesel exhaust produced by the machinery they operate. Inhaling these gases is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma and certain types of cancer (Krajnak, 2018; Lim et al., 2021; Thaper et al. 2023).

2. Agriculture, forestry and fishing

In agriculture, work activities are mainly focused on animal husbandry and crop cultivation, while in forestry, the majority of workers are involved in logging. During these activities, employees are exposed to both hand and arm vibrations and whole-body vibrations. Exposure to WBV occurs mainly when operating agricultural and forestry vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters or bulldozers. Conversely, HAV-type vibrations are caused by the use of hand-held vibrating tools, e.g. chainsaws.

In addition to vibration, workers in these industries also face other risk factors, such as pesticides and extreme temperature conditions. Long-term exposure to pesticides is associated with a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, selected types of cancer, and reproductive health disorders (Krajnak, 2018; Ramirez-Santana et al., 2018; Thaper et al. 2023).

Workers in the fishing industry are exposed to both whole-body and hand and arm vibrations that occur as a result of running marine engines, using lifting equipment or vessel movements, particularly when sailing in rough waters. Fishermen operating on the open seas, as well as persons involved in water rescue operations, may face intense shocks and vibrations caused by waves or unstable movement of the vessel during navigation.

Exposure to repeated impacts can lead to injuries to the spine, knee joints and hips. In addition, workers in this industry may experience fatigue, headaches or symptoms of motion sickness due to the fluctuating movement of the vessel caused by the waves (Krajnak, 2018; Unverzagt et al., 2022).

3. Construction and mining

Workers in construction and mining are often exposed to whole-body vibrations as well as vibrations transmitted to the hands and arms, e.g. when operating heavy machinery, such as bulldozers or dump trucks, or when working with hand tools, such as drills, pneumatic hammers or grinders. Not only the vibrations themselves contribute to the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system in these occupations, but also long-term work in uncomfortable or static positions and frequent handling of heavy loads.

In addition, these employees are exposed to inhaling harmful substances such as dust from coal, concrete or wood, diesel fumes or chemicals including organic solvents. This combination of mechanical and chemical stress can lead to various health problems typical of these industries, including an increased risk of respiratory and, in some cases, cardiovascular diseases (Iavicoli et al., 2017; Krajnak, 2018; Sun et al., 2025).

4. Production sector

Vibration concerns in manufacturing relate to the risks associated with excessive or unwanted vibrations that arise during industrial manufacturing processes. These vibrations can be caused by various factors, e.g. imbalance of rotating equipment, low structural rigidity, misalignment of components, worn bearings, tool failures and other technical deficiencies. Imbalance causes oscillations in rotating systems that can lead to fatigue failures and shorten component life. Axis misalignment increases harmonic shocks to bearings and shafts, which is commonly documented in the analysis of rotor systems (Roshchupkin and Pavlenko, 2025).

Workers in this sector are often exposed to vibrations transmitted to the hands and arms. Prolonged use of hand tools such as grinders, impact wrenches, circular saws, or drills can lead to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as "hand-shoulder vibration." A systematic meta-analysis shows a 4- to 7-fold increase in the risk of vascular and neurological diseases in employees with high exposure to vibration. Other international criteria and studies confirm a close connection between the level of vibration and the occurrence of HAVS (Krajnak, 2018; Krajnak and Waugh, 2018).

At the same time, these workers may also be exposed to unnatural working positions, repetitive movements and various chemical substances that can enter the body by inhalation or absorption through the skin. The combination of these physical stressors (eg vibrations, unnatural postures, repetitive movements) increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs and neck or shoulder pain. Moreover, exposure to chemicals in the work environment represents another risk factor that, in combination with mechanical stresses, complicates the protection of workers' health (Kijko et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2025).

Material and methods

In order to obtain data on the occurrence of the diagnosis "vibration disease" among employees in the Prešov Region, data from the following sources were analyzed: Annual Report of the Regional Office of Public Health with headquarters in Prešov and Statistical overview of measurements of exposure to vibrations in the working environment within the Prešov Region, processed by the Department of Preventive Occupational Medicine.

The analysis included data for the five-year period 2019-2023. A descriptive (descriptive) method was applied to data processing, which made it possible to identify the occurrence and distribution of the disease in the monitored population.

Results

In 2019, a total of 41 suspected occupational diseases were investigated. The highest proportion of recognized occupational diseases were diseases of the bones, joints, tendons and nerves of the upper and lower limbs, caused by long-term, one-sided and excessive physical load (classified under item No. 29 of the List of Occupational Diseases, Príloha č. 1 k zákonu č. 461/2003 Z. z.), in the number of 19 cases.

In 10 cases, it was a combination of item 29 with item 28, which refers to diseases arising when working with vibrating tools. These diseases were identified among employees in the following professions: assembly worker, stone mason, truck driver - excavator and loader, foreman in the press shop, sawyer, auxiliary worker on the construction site (n = 2), molder in the production of cable bundles, welder/stitcher and driver of forest machinery.

Illnesses caused exclusively by vibrations - namely Raynaud's syndrome - were recorded in 3 cases. A causal connection with the work activity was proven for all disabled persons. These were employees in the professions of stone mason, machinist and sawyer.

The remaining cases of occupational diseases were as follows:

  • lung dusting (n = 2) – item 33,
  • allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (n = 2) – item 45,
  • external allergic alveolitis (n = 2) – item 44,
  • and after one case: Lyme disease (n = 1) - entry 26 (diseases transmissible from animals to humans), hearing impairment due to noise exposure (n = 1) - entry 38, contact eczema (n = 1) - entry 22 (skin diseases).

Based on the above data, diseases caused by vibrations, either alone or in combination with item 29, accounted for a total of 12 cases in 2019, representing approximately 32% of the total number of recognized occupational diseases.

In 2020, a total of 9 suspected occupational diseases were investigated. In one case, a vibration-induced form of Raynaud's syndrome was diagnosed, and in the other case, it was a combined disease from vibration, accompanied by carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, impingement syndrome, and hearing impairment.

The remaining cases included:

  • 6 cases of diseases of the musculoskeletal system in connection with long-term unilateral loading (item 29),
  • 1 case of bronchial asthma (item 37).

Based on these data, diseases from vibrations (individual and combined forms) represented 2 cases out of a total of 9, which corresponds to approximately 22%.

In 2021, a total of 26 suspected occupational diseases were investigated. The largest share was made up of diseases of bones, joints, tendons and nerves of the limbs as a result of long-term, excessive and one-sided physical load, registered under item 29, which were confirmed in 12 cases.

In 4 cases, it was a combined effect of mechanical overload and vibration, while these diseases occurred in workers in the professions of assembly worker, grinder, welder and construction worker.

The other 9 cases were COVID-19 illnesses (item 24) that occurred in healthcare workers.

In 1 case, hearing damage was recorded in connection with work in the laundry (item 38).

Illnesses from vibrations thus represented 15% of the total number of 26 investigated suspected occupational diseases in 2021.

Also in 2022, as in previous years, diseases of the bones, joints, tendons and nerves of the limbs caused by long-term, excessive and one-sided physical load, which were diagnosed in 7 employees, dominated among occupational diseases.

Vibration disease occurred in one case as a separate diagnosis (in a PC network fitter) and in another five cases in combination with diseases from physical overload of the limbs. These combined cases related to the professions: driver/engineer of a special vehicle – loader, sawyer (2×), turner and engineer of road and construction machinery.

Other reported occupational diseases included:

  • 3 cases of COVID-19 disease (among healthcare workers),
  • and after 1 case of diagnosis: Lyme disease, bronchial asthma, dermatitis and other occupational health damage.

Based on these data, vibration-related illnesses accounted for a total of 6 cases, representing approximately 30% of all reported occupational illnesses (n=20) in 2022.

In 2023, a total of 30 suspected occupational diseases were investigated. Vibration disease, either as a separate diagnosis or in combination with disease from long-term, excessive and one-sided physical load, was recognized in 6 cases. It concerned employees in the following professions: machine operator, driver of special mechanisms (2x), loader/pillar driver, welder and construction worker.

In another 6 cases, the disease from vibration was either not confirmed, or the examination had not yet been completed at the time of data processing.

Based on these data, vibration diseases accounted for 20% of all investigated suspected occupational diseases in 2023.

The remaining recognized occupational diseases included:

  • 9 cases of diseases from long-term, excessive and one-sided physical load on the limbs (item 29),
  • 5 infectious diseases (item 24),
  • 2 cases of bronchial asthma (item 37),
  • and one case each of hearing impairment (item 38) and disease from dust exposure – pneumoconiosis (item 33).

Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 126 suspected occupational diseases were investigated in the Prešov region. Of this number, vibration sickness was recognized in 30 cases, which represents approximately 24% of all investigations.

Discussion and Precautions

Our results confirm the significant role of vibration exposure in occupational diseases. Based on the analysis of data from the years 2019-2023, out of a total of 126 investigated cases, vibration diseases accounted for 30 cases (i.e. 24%). In individual years, this proportion varied between 15% and 32%, which correlates with statistics from other sources, where it is stated that long-term exposure to vibrations significantly increases the risk of Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), including Raynaud's phenomenon, nerve damage and musculoskeletal disorders (Charles et al., 2018; Krajnak, 2018; Gerger et al., 2023).

Most recognized cases of vibration illness involved combined exposure, i.e. j. vibrations associated with long-term physical loading of the upper limbs (item 29). Epidemiological studies have shown that the combination of vibrations and incorrect working positions or repetitive movements significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal diseases, especially of the shoulder and neck segments (Charles et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2025).

Raynaud's syndrome as a special diagnosis was captured consistently (3 cases in 2019, 1 in 2020). This is consistent with the fact that HAVS has a multicomponent nature – vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal (Cordeiro and Andrade, 2019; Scholz et al., 2023).

Specific cases in 2020 (complex impingement, carpal tunnel, epicondylitis) reflect increasing professional precision and focus on accurate diagnosis of combined workloads (Rotaru-Zavaleanu et al., 2024).

Specific measures are required to protect employees from the negative effects of vibration:

  1. Ergonomic measures – implementing ergonomic principles such as using low-vibration tools, regularly changing hand tools and optimizing the work environment can significantly reduce exposure to vibration.
  2. Protective equipment - the use of protective gloves that absorb vibrations, specially designed seats and damping systems in machines can help minimize the effects of vibration on workers' bodies.
  3. Limiting exposure time – alternating work that involves vibration with activities that do not involve vibration is an effective way to minimize risk. Ensuring regular breaks and limiting time spent with vibrations are key preventative measures.
  4. Monitoring and assessment of risks - in workplaces where vibrations are inevitable, it is necessary to regularly carry out risk assessment and monitoring of the level of vibrations. Compliance with legislative norms and safety standards regarding exposure to vibration is key for employers.
  5. Education of employees - it is important that employees are informed about the risks associated with vibrations and have knowledge about the correct work technique, protective measures and options for mitigating exposure to vibrations.

The implementation of the mentioned measures has a significant potential to reduce the occurrence of diseases from vibrations, protect the health of workers and at the same time reduce losses caused by incapacity for work. A proactive approach is a priority, paving the way to reducing hand and arm injuries and improving the overall working environment.

Conclusion

The risk of vibration in the workplace is a serious problem that can have long-term and serious consequences for the health of employees. Long-term exposure to vibration can lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and circulatory system. The prevention of vibration risks, as well as the implementation of protective measures and employee education, is a key factor in protecting the health and safety of workers in various work environments.

The observed stable proportion of diseases caused by vibrations (24%) and their combination with physical overload confirm the importance of comprehensive prevention. The use of the right tools, ergonomic work arrangement, worker education and health supervision form a unified strategy to protect the health of employees from the negative impact of vibrations.

Authors: Mgr. Jozef Varga, MPH Regional Office of Public Health with headquarters in Prešov prof. Mgr. MUDr. Erik Dorko, PhD., MPH, MBA Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, UPJŠ LF in Košice

Work supported by KEGA grant projects of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic no. 001UPJŠ-4/2024 and no. 003UPJŠ-4/2024.

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