The Health and Safety Executive has found that businesses are still failing to understand and properly risk assess the potential harm caused to workers from Hand Arm Vibration HAV.
A huge number of tools can be the source of harmful levels of vibration and it is often difficult and technically challenging to determine both the actual levels of vibration and also the appropriate actions which can be adopted to prevent harm and control exposures.
We have worked with a number of businesses across many sectors to help them in this field and can call on a number of different resources to help you manage this issue. If you are a member of our Safety~net competent person support scheme please contact us for specific advice, if you need help then please request a callback and we’ll get in touch to discuss how we can assist.
Below is the safety alert from the Health and Safety Executive on Hand Arm Vibration HAVS.
Protect workers from hand-arm vibrationHAVS can be caused by using hand-held power tools for prolonged periods of time. It is a painful, disabling disease of the hands affecting blood vessels, nerves and joints.There were 215 new cases of HAVS recorded in Great Britain in 2023. HSE’s hand-arm vibration calculator can assist you in calculating exposures along with guidance on how to use it. Our HAVS website contains useful guidance and resources on how to manage the risks in your workplace, including: HAVS enforcement prosecutionA council was recently fined £60,000 for exposing workers to the risks arising from the use of vibrating tools. HSE’s investigation found that:
Read more in our press release: Council fined after workers exposed to risks from vibrating tools. |
