HAVS can be a difficult hazard to manage. If you need help and support, consider joining the hundreds of businesses already using our competent person support service, Safety~net. Contact us or request a call back for more information.
A metal fabrication company operating at Immingham Docks has been fined after seven workers developed vibration-related health conditions linked to the use of power tools. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Drury Engineering Services Ltd was prosecuted for failing to protect workers from harmful exposure to hand-arm vibration. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £44,000, with £8,061.70 in costs, at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on 26 February 2026.
Investigation Following Illness Reports
The HSE began investigating in June 2024 after three workers were diagnosed with vibration-related health conditions. Inspectors served the company with an Improvement Notice, requiring it to introduce effective controls for vibration exposure. During the investigation, three further cases were identified, with a seventh worker later reporting symptoms consistent with vibration-related illness.
Workers reported symptoms including:
- Finger blanching (commonly known as white finger)
- Numbness and tingling in the hands
- Loss of grip strength
- Sleep disruption caused by nerve pain
Several workers said their condition affected everyday activities such as gripping tools, carrying out household tasks and even mowing the lawn.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
The symptoms experienced by the workers are associated with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) — a permanent and preventable occupational disease caused by prolonged exposure to vibration from hand-held power tools.
Common tools associated with HAVS include:
- Angle grinders
- Impact drills
- Sanders and polishers
- Road breakers
- Hammer drills
Without appropriate controls, long-term exposure can lead to irreversible damage to nerves, blood vessels and joints in the hands and arms.
Failures Identified by HSE
The HSE investigation found that the company had not adequately managed the risks associated with vibration exposure.
In particular, the business had failed to:
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient vibration risk assessment
- Implement controls to limit worker exposure to vibration
- Introduce an effective health surveillance programme
- Provide sufficient training and information for employees using vibrating tools
Although the company later appointed a new health and safety manager who began improving vibration management processes, inspectors concluded that workers had already been exposed to harmful levels of vibration for several years.
Employer Responsibilities
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers must assess and control the risks from vibration exposure where workers use power tools or vibrating equipment.
Practical control measures can include:
- Selecting lower-vibration tools and equipment
- Maintaining tools to prevent excessive vibration
- Limiting exposure time through task rotation
- Monitoring exposure against daily vibration limits
- Implementing health surveillance programmes to identify early symptoms
A Preventable Occupational Health Risk
Cases of HAVS remain a significant occupational health issue across industries including construction, engineering, fabrication and maintenance.
The HSE estimates that millions of UK workers use vibrating tools as part of their job, meaning employers must remain vigilant in managing exposure.
This prosecution serves as a reminder that failure to properly manage vibration risks can lead not only to serious, life-changing health conditions for workers but also significant financial and reputational consequences for businesses.
What This Means for Employers
This case highlights the importance of proactively managing vibration risks in workplaces where employees regularly use power tools.
Employers should ensure that vibration risks are properly assessed and controlled before workers are exposed to prolonged tool use. Regular monitoring of vibration exposure levels and early health surveillance are critical to identifying potential problems before they develop into permanent conditions.
Businesses should also ensure workers receive appropriate training on the safe use of vibrating equipment and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms such as tingling, numbness or finger blanching.
Failing to control vibration exposure can result in serious long-term health consequences for workers and enforcement action from the regulator, including fines, improvement notices and reputational damage.
We know that HAVS can be a difficult hazard to manage. If you need help and support, consider joining the hundreds of businesses already using our competent person support service, Safety~net. Contact us or request a call back for more information.
