This study presents a finite element (FE) model of the human hand-arm system to derive
natural frequencies and mode shapes. The FE model is calibrated by considering modal
parameters obtained from experimental vibration analyzed by using operational modal
analysis (OMA) and transmissibility. Modal and harmonic analyses of the FE model are
performed for two boundary conditions. The first one considers fixed shoulder condition
while the second one introduces the trunk in order to permit motion of the shoulder. The
results show that the natural frequencies of the second model that permits shoulder motion
are comparable with those determined from measurements. Especially, the natural frequency
about 12 Hz, which is corresponding to the frequency of maximum weight in ISO-5349-1
(2001), is not present in the model with fixed shoulder condition, while it appears in the
second model. The results of the present study suggest that improved finite element models
of the human hand-arm system may reveal hand-arm injury mechanism, the understanding of
which may assist in deriving appropriate frequency weightings for the assessment of
different components of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.