Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure Trends among the Workforce in Sweden

The aim of this research was to study hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure trends in the workforce in Sweden by using a Job-Exposure matrix (JEM). All individuals employed during 1980 and 2010 with an occupational code were included. The daily eight-hour equivalent HAV exposure values were divided into three exposure categories. During the study period, the proportion of workers exposed above the action value had decreased, as well as the proportion of workers exposed to any HAV. In 2010, 4% of the workforce in Sweden were exposed to HAV above the action value.