Chainsaws produce high levels of vibration, which
can cause permanent damage to hands and arms. The risk of developing
hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is dependent on the following factors:
- vibration levels,
- length of time the saw is used,
- position and grips of the saw, and
- coldness and wetness of the environment and the
worker.
Exposure to HAVS could produce several adverse
health effects such as the following:
- circulatory disturbances, such as vibration white finger
(VWF),
- sensory nerve damage, and
- muscle, bone and joint injury.
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