Effectiveness of an occupational health intervention program to reduce whole body vibration exposure: an evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design
Tiemessen, Ivo J. ; Hulshof, Carel T.J. ; Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
2009
52
12
943-952
driver ; vibration control ; whole body vibration ; employers role
Occupational safety and health
English
Bibliogr.
"Background: An effective intervention program aiming to reduce whole body vibration (WBV) exposure at work will reduce the number of low back complaints in the near future. Methods: An evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design. Nine companies and 126 drivers were included in the study. Cluster randomization on company level divided the drivers and their employers in an intervention group and a care-as-usual group. At baseline (T0) and intervention program was implemented and evaluated after 7 months (T1). The main outcome measure was WBV exposure. Process measures included knowledge, attitude, and (intended) behavior towards reduction of WBV exposure for the drivers and knowledge and WBV policy for the employers. Results: At T1, no significant reduction was found in WBV exposure within both groups compared with T0.Conclusions: Probably due to poor to moderate compliance, the intervention program was not effective in reducing the WBV exposure on group level but small reductions in WBV exposure are possible when intervention compliance is high. "
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