Protecting Your Workforce from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and irreversible condition caused by prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration, typically from the use of hand-held power tools, vibrating machinery, or equipment. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and loss of strength in the fingers, as well as circulation issues known as vibration white finger.

As a business owner, you have a legal obligation to protect your workforce from this preventable condition.

Here’s what you need to know about your responsibilities under English law and the steps you can take to ensure compliance and safeguard your employees.

Legal Framework

Under English law, several pieces of legislation outline your responsibilities regarding the prevention of HAVS:

1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
   • Employers have a general duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
2. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
   • These regulations specifically address risks arising from vibration exposure.
   • Employers must assess and control risks, implement measures to reduce exposure, and ensure employees are informed about the dangers and precautions.
3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
   • Employers must conduct risk assessments and take preventive measures where necessary.

Employer Responsibilities

To comply with these laws and protect your workforce, you must take the following steps:

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment

• Identify tools and processes that expose workers to vibration.
• Evaluate the duration and intensity of vibration exposure.
• Use guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), such as the Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV):
  • EAV: Daily exposure of 2.5 m/s² (meters per second squared) requires action. This corresponds to 100 points on the HSE's daily vibration exposure scale.‍
  • ELV: Daily exposure of 5 m/s² must not be exceeded. This corresponds to 400 points on the same scale.

The "points system" helps quantify vibration exposure. For example:

• A tool with a vibration magnitude of 5 m/s² used for one hour equals 100 points.
• If multiple tools are used in a day, their points are combined to assess total exposure.

2. Implement Control Measures

• Eliminate or Reduce Vibration Exposure:
  • Use alternative methods or equipment with lower vibration levels.
  • Automate tasks where possible.
• Modify Work Practices:
  • Rotate tasks to limit the time workers spend using vibrating tools.
  • Encourage regular breaks to reduce exposure duration.
• Maintain Equipment:
  • Ensure tools and machinery are well-maintained to minimise vibration levels.
  • Utilise asset management software such as Ctrl Hub which stores the vibration magnitude of each piece of equipment.

3. Provide Training and Information

• Inform workers about the risks of HAVS and how to recognise early symptoms.
• Train employees on the correct use of equipment to reduce unnecessary vibration exposure.
• Communicate the importance of reporting symptoms promptly.

4. Health Surveillance

• If workers are regularly exposed to vibration at or above the EAV, you must provide health surveillance.
• This typically involves regular check-ups to monitor early signs of HAVS and take action if symptoms develop.

5. Monitor and Review

• Continuously monitor vibration levels and review your risk assessments.
• Update control measures and training programs as new tools, techniques, or regulations emerge.
• Digital platforms such as Ctrl Hub allow you to track and monitor HAVS exposure across your workforce and highlight potential compliance issues

‍

‍

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to meet your legal responsibilities can have serious consequences, including:

• Fines: Substantial fines for breaches of health and safety laws.
• Legal Action: Compensation claims from affected employees.‍
• Reputation Damage: Harm to your business’s reputation and workforce morale.

Practical Tips for Compliance

• Keep records of risk assessments, maintenance schedules, and training sessions.
• Use the HSE’s "Vibration Calculator" to estimate workers’ daily vibration exposure.
• Better still, use a digital platform such as Ctrl Hub which allows you to automatically calculate exposure based on the actual time spent using a specific item of equipment.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is entirely preventable. As a business owner, you have a duty to protect your employees from harm. By following the legal requirements and implementing effective risk management practices, you can safeguard your workforce, avoid legal and financial repercussions, and promote a safe and productive work environment.

Ctrl Hub can provide you with a very simple and highly cost effective way to address HAVS liability. Please contact us today for more information.

‍