Vibration transferred to the fingers, thumb, hand and arm through the steering wheel or electric tool use can be uncomfortable to the user and may lead to symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the fingers and poor grip strength.
Material, often rubber based, can be wrapped around the steering wheel or tool handles to lessen the vibration experienced.
Anti-vibration gloves can also provide protection for individuals from vibration if used consistently. If considering the use of anti-vibration gloves choose a pair that; fit the user snugly whilst still allowing for maximum dexterity; are suitable in size and design for the task; are of sufficient quality that the anti-vibration padding remains in position over time; and they provide adequate grip.
A range of gloves are available:
- gloves with polyurethane air pocket style design over the palm to assist in dissipating vibration and reducing overall hand, finger and arm fatigue whilst retaining dexterity
- full length gloves with gel padded palm area and/or fingers and thumb – coming in a range of materials depending on the dexterity required such as cow hide, goats leather, spandex or insulating material for cold work environments like freezers
- half finger gloves (cut off at knuckle height) with a palm gel pad
- anti-vibration glove liners for use under specialised gloves such as those for use with specific chemicals or extreme heat
- gloves with gel padded palm and thumb span, with hard protective polymer coating over the back of the knuckles for protection.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
If vibration is experienced through tools in the workplace, this may cause discomfort and fatigue for the individual. It is recommended that anti-vibration wrap be applied or specialised anti-vibration gloves worn to reduce the impact of prolonged exposure.
When applying an anti-vibration wrap, consideration needs to be given to the altered size of the grip required to operate the tool as the larger the grip, the lower the power of the grip.
When using anti-vibration gloves consideration needs to be given to the altered dexterity and sensation when wearing gloves as this may affect an individual’s ability to carry out tasks effectively and safely.
For more information about other anti-vibration products appropriate for the workplace see the links below:
References:
OTB products (no date specified), Summerweight Anti-vibration Gloves, OTB Products, online, viewed 5 May 2011, http://www.otbproducts.com.au/safety_products/summerweight_av_gloves.htm.
Viscolas 2008, Hand Fatigue and Hand Problems Causes and Treatments: What causes hand pain and fatigue, Viscolas, Ontario, viewed 5 May 2011, http://www.viscolas.com/handfatigue.html.
Viscolas 2008, Hand protective products, Viscolas, Ontario, viewed 5 May 2011, http://www.viscolas.com/handproducts.html#blackmaxx.
Worksafe Saskatchewan 2010, Vibration in the workplace, Worksafe Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, viewed 5 May 2011, http://www.worksafesask.ca/Default.aspx?DN=b9af447d-152e-4bd5-9c86-22766ab923b5.