Scientific publication provides strong support for VibroSense Dynamic’s new method for Screening of workers exposed for vibration
A published study authored by researchers at the clinic of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital provides strong support for VibroSense Dynamics' new method for screening of workers, exposed for hand- arm vibrations. The screening method, developed by VibroSense together with two companies in Occupational Health Care services in Sweden, means that an examination can be made in less than 10 minutes. The method will be important for VibroSense expansion in Germany, among others.
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, concludes that there are minor differences in the tactile sensitivity between dominant and non-dominant hand. In the study, workers exposed for vibrations were examined with several different methods, including with the company's product VibroSense Meter. The study also concludes that it is sufficient to examine the dominant hand to make a diagnosis.
The study's conclusions are very well in line with the screening method that VibroSense Dynamics develops together with two companies within occupational health care i.e. Runstenen and Avonova. The new screening method takes 10 minutes to complete and the examination is made on two fingers on the dominant hand of the worker or alternatively on the hand having any symptom.
The screening method will be released in the fall of 2019. Occupational Health Care and clinics of Occupational and Environmental Medicine will then get an effective tool for early identification of people at risk of developing a vibrational injury, which in turn will make it possible to avoid permanent damages by means of preventive measures.
VibroSense new method is based on clinical data from 2,750 unique individuals collected during 11 years from workers in the motor and construction industry. A total of 18,284 fingers have been examined. The corporate health Runstenen's clinical data is unique and the largest of its kind in the world, which has provided an invaluable basis for designing VibroSense new screening method.
About vibration injuries
The use of hand-held vibrating tools has been at a constant level for 10 years, causing a variety of damage to nerves, blood vessels, joints and muscles and white fingers. The injuries often cause lifelong suffering for the injured person. Affected occupational groups are, for example, people working in workshops, automotive, construction industry and dental care.
According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, 400,000 workers in Sweden are exposed daily to vibrations from hand-held vibrating tools more than two hours a day.
The EU Directive 2002/44 / EC stipulates that all workers in the EU who are exposed above a certain exposure dose shall be offered regular health controls on fingers, hands and arms. Within the EU, it is estimated that over 25 million workers are exposed to potentially hazardous hand-arm vibrations on a daily basis. Germany and Benelux have stricter requirements than those stipulated in the EU Directive.
Contact
Toni Speidel, VD VibroSense Dynamics AB,
Phone: +46 40 88 026
E-mail: info@vibrosense.com
www.vibrosense.com
About VibroSense Dynamics AB (publ)
VibroSense Dynamics AB (public) sells and develops efficient systems to support early detection and diagnosis of sensory neuropathy, i.e. disease of large nerve fibres and nerve trunks in e.g. legs and arms. Our vision is that the VibroSense Meter shall be the golden standard instrument for neurological examinations to assess sensory neuropathy and help to improve life conditions for patients having a risk of getting nerve injuries.