The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 stipulates that employers must provide health surveillance to any employees who are likely to be regularly exposed to vibration in the course of their work.
Who is at risk?
Any employee who regularly and frequently works with vibrating tools and equipment and/or handles vibrating materials. It also depends on how long your employees are exposed to vibration and at what level.
Industries where exposures to vibration is particularly high include:
Construction
Foundries & fabrication
Mining & forestry
Jobs with high mileage driving
Driving vehicles over rough and uneven surfaces
Tools and equipment at high risk from vibration include:
- Hand-held power tools such as pneumatic drills, grinders, disc cutters and sanders.
- Concrete breakers, concrete pokers.
- Hammer drills.
- Chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers.
- Powered mowers.
- Scabblers or needle guns.
- Chipping hammers.
Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to permanent health effects.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is preventable, but once the damage is done, it is permanent.
There were 300 New cases of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome in 2022
Source: Health and Safety Executive
Symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Early signs of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) are:
tingling and numbness in the hands or fingers after using vibrating tools.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is made up of three components:
Symptoms to be aware of include:
- Impaired circulation
- Reduced sense of touch
- Numbness
- Reduced manual dexterity
- Tingling
- Stiffness of the joints
- Reduced grip strength
Vascular effects
Also known as Vibration White Finger
Sensorineural effects
Numbness and tingling
Musculoskeletal effects
Loss of grip strength, bone and joint disorders
HAVS assessments
All HAVS assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified technicians. Any employees identified with possible HAVS symptoms will be advised to refer for a formal diagnosis with an Occupational Health Physician, as stipulated in the regulations.
Join our satisfied clients
Experience the impact of our Hand Arm Vibration Surveillance and Screening in your business
“I’m very grateful to Kate and the team for their recent tests. On Aardvark’s advice we’ve got some extra controls to prevent our team getting injured on-site. Many thanks.”
Construction Contractor, Devon
