Evaluation of an occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration in fork-lift truck drivers, a controlled trial

Carel TJ Hulshof ^1*, Jos HAM Verbeek ², Ingrid T Braam ², Massimo Bovenzi ³ and Frank J van Dijk ²

¹ University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
² Coronel Institute, Netherlands
³ University of Trieste, Italy

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: c.t.hulshof{at}amc.uva.nl.

Accepted 14 March 2006

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention programme on whole body vibration (WBV) in fork-lift truck drivers.

Methods: An experimental pre-test-post-test control group study design. We trained occupational health services (OHS) in the experimental group in the use of the programme. OHSs in the control group were asked to deliver care as usual. In total, 15 OHSs, 32 OHS professionals, 26 companies, and 260 fork-lift drivers were involved. Post-test measurements were carried out one year after the start of the programme.

Results: Baseline data before the start of the programme showed no difference between experimental and control group. Results of the outcome evaluation indicate a slight, even though not statistically significant, reduction of WBV exposure in the experimental group (p = 0.06). Process evaluation revealed a positive influence on company policy toward WBV, attitude and intended behaviour of fork-lift drivers, and a trend toward an increase in knowledge of OHS professionals and company managers. The number of observed control measures with a major impact (levelling of surface and reduction of speed) was rather low. In those cases where control measures had been taken, there was a significant reduction in WBV exposure. This limited effect of the programme might be caused by the short period of follow-up and the drop out of participants. The feasibility and the usefulness of the programme within the OHS setting were rated good by the participants.

Conclusions: Our programme to decrease WBV exposure was partially effective. Significant effects on intermediate objectives were observed. More research on the effectiveness of intervention in the field of WBV is needed.

Keywords: controlled trial, occupational exposure, occupational health services, prevention, whole-body vibration

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