Investigation of Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) in Railroad Track Workers: Addressing Stakeholder Conflict of Interest

Abstract

The use of powered hand tools and equipment that exposes track workers to HAV vibration and other biomechanical hazards in the USA was investigated by a research team, following scientific principles and guidelines including protecting confidentiality of study participants. Musculoskeletal symptoms and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders were linked to workplace physical factors, such as HAV, and were reported in peer-reviewed journals. The methodology and results were subsequently challenged by a team of consultants hired by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), which represents major North American railroad corporations. Such an influence appears to challenge the integrity of occupational health research and impede the conduct of such research.

Keywords

• physical hazard
• hand-arm vibration
• occupational epidemiology research
• methods
• conflict of interest
• ethics