Surreal image of carpet threads forming an ear, symbolizing hearing protection for carpet workers.

Silence the Vibration: How Low-Cost Tools Can Protect Carpet Workers' Hearing

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals simple interventions can significantly reduce hand-arm vibration and noise exposure for carpet alignment workers, safeguarding their hearing and well-being."

Carpet alignment, a crucial step in carpet production, often exposes workers to significant health risks. The repetitive motions, forceful gripping, and use of vibrating tools can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These conditions not only affect workers' quality of life but also impact their ability to perform their jobs effectively.

While advanced ergonomic solutions exist, they are not always accessible or affordable for small-scale carpet manufacturers. This raises the need for low-cost interventions that can effectively mitigate these risks and protect the well-being of carpet alignment workers.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics investigated the effectiveness of low-cost tool interventions in reducing hand-arm vibration (HAV) and noise exposure among carpet alignment workers. The study's findings offer valuable insights and practical solutions for creating a safer and healthier work environment.

The Impact of Vibration and Noise on Carpet Workers

Surreal image of carpet threads forming an ear, symbolizing hearing protection for carpet workers.

Carpet alignment primarily involves aligning carpet threads with a metal rod against a chisel. The process is performed with repetitive wrist deviation and gripping two tools (chisel and rod) firmly which can result in hand-transmitted vibration and high sound pressure levels. These are significant risk factors for health complications such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vascular and peripheral sensory-neural disorders, and noise-induced hearing loss.

Current data indicates the potential risk and suggests immediate action to protect this workforce:

Vibration Exposure: Workers using conventional tools experienced high levels of hand-arm vibration, directly associated with vascular and peripheral sensory-neural disorders.
Noise Levels: Workers are exposed to noise levels exceeding permissible limits, significantly increasing their risk of hearing impairment.
Hearing Impairment: Hearing tests revealed mild to moderate hearing impairment in the 1500-6000 Hz frequency range among exposed workers.
Grip Strength: There was a marginal drop in grip strength among exposed workers compared to the control group, indicating potential musculoskeletal issues.

These findings highlight the urgent need for effective interventions to mitigate these risks and protect carpet alignment workers' health.

Affordable Solutions for a Safer Workplace

This study provides compelling evidence that low-cost interventions, such as ergonomically designed tool handles, can significantly reduce hand-arm vibration and noise exposure for carpet alignment workers. By implementing these simple changes, employers can protect their workers' hearing and overall well-being, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1504/ijhfe.2018.095910, Alternate LINK

Title: Assessment Of Low-Cost Tool Intervention Among Carpet Alignment Workers Exposed To Hand-Arm Vibration And Shift In Hearing Threshold

Subject: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Journal: International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh, M.L. Meena, Himanshu Chaudhary

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What health risks are carpet alignment workers exposed to during their work?

Carpet alignment workers are at risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) due to the repetitive motions, forceful gripping, and use of vibrating tools during the carpet alignment process. These conditions can negatively impact their quality of life and job performance. Early signs may include hearing impairment in the 1500-6000 Hz range and reduced grip strength. Addressing these issues requires immediate and effective interventions.

What affordable solutions can reduce vibration and noise exposure for carpet alignment workers?

Low-cost interventions, such as ergonomically designed tool handles for chisels and rods used in carpet alignment, have been shown to significantly reduce hand-arm vibration and noise exposure. These modifications help to create a safer work environment for carpet alignment workers without requiring substantial investment. While the text focuses on tool modifications, future research should focus on job rotation and redesigning the carpet alignment process.

What are Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), and how do they relate to carpet alignment?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) results from prolonged exposure to vibration, causing vascular and peripheral sensory-neural disorders. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) arises from exposure to high noise levels, leading to hearing impairment. In carpet alignment, workers using conventional tools experience high hand-arm vibration and excessive noise, increasing their risk for these conditions. Data suggests that the vibration and noise lead to hearing impairment around the 1500-6000 Hz frequency range among carpet alignment workers.

What specific steps can employers take to protect carpet alignment workers from vibration and noise exposure?

Employers can implement measures such as using tools with ergonomically designed handles to reduce vibration and noise. These interventions aim to minimize the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), promoting a healthier and more productive work environment. While these measures are a great start, additional measures such as regular breaks and hearing protection should also be considered.

What did the study in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics reveal about protecting carpet alignment workers?

The study published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics showed that low-cost tool interventions, like ergonomic handles, effectively reduce hand-arm vibration (HAV) and noise exposure for carpet alignment workers. These findings highlight practical ways to improve worker safety and health. Future research can concentrate on the long term effects of HAVS and NIHL if measures are not taken. In addition, more data is needed to determine the efficacy of each intervention.