New Year, new Hand Arm Vibration warning 07 January 2014

HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome) is continuing to plague employees, who regularly use power tools and other vibrating equipment for long periods – despite there being plenty of precautions to reduce the risks.

So says Lee Wright, marketing director at Slingsby, reminding plant managers and technicians that HAVS (also known as vibration white finger) is usually a permanent condition caused by extended use of tools and machinery, such as drills and chainsaws.

The Medical Research Council estimates that 300,000 employees in the UK suffer from HAVS and more than one million are exposed to vibrations above safe levels set by the Health & Safety Executive's Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

"HAVS is an extremely common industrial injury that can cause substantial disruption to a person's life, if it is ignored," insists Wright.

"Although it commonly affects the construction sector, people working in all industries who use vibrating equipment can be at risk – and often people aren't even aware of the dangers until it's too late," he continues.

"Employers have a responsibility to monitor and manage their employees' exposure to vibrations. Plus there can be significant penalties for businesses that breach HSE guidelines."

Recent estimates from insurer AXA suggest that average claims for HAVS are £70,000 once legal fees are taken into account, he advises.

"Sometimes it may be possible to find alternative ways of doing things, that don't require the use of vibrating equipment, but if this isn't possible there are lots of precautions that employers can take to reduce the risks of HAV," says Wright.

"All equipment and machinery should be regularly checked to reduce vibrations caused by general wear. Plus employees should take regular breaks and they can encourage blood circulation and reduce vibration by wearing certain protective equipment and warm clothing.

"An effective monitoring system should also be introduced and nowadays there are lots of digital and real-time systems that can be used so that both employers and employees have access to accurate data about their current exposure levels."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
HC Slingsby plc
IOSH

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