Hand-arm vibration syndrome

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, took effect from 6th July 2005. The Act was created so that the UK stays in line with EC legislation, namely the Physical Agents Vibration Directive 2002/44/EC of June 2002. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations aim to limit and prevent the onset of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or vibration white finger (VWF).

What is hand arm vibration syndrome?

Anyone who is exposed to high levels of vibration on regular basis can suffer permanent injury. One of the highest incidences of hand arm vibration syndrome injury is in the construction industry and there is no effective treatment; so prevention is the only imperative.

There are two common outcomes of frequent vibration:

  • Hand-arm vibration (HAV) - where the effects of the vibration is confined to a small area of the body.
  • Whole body vibration (WBV) – where the body is shaken by a Machine or Vehicle.

Exposure to hand-arm vibration can result in a range of health effects collectively known as ‘Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome’ or ‘HAVS’. Vibration white finger (VWF) is probably the most well known. Other effects include damage to muscles, joints and nerves.

Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a recognised disease. If you are an employee who has been affected, there is a chance that you may be eligible for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. If you are suffering only mild symptoms you might seek a Personal Injury claim through the courts.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of (HAVS) include, but are not limited to:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Shaking
  • Circulatory
  • Bowel
  • Respiratory
  • Muscular
  • Back disorders

(HAVS) can be a particular risk to plant and machinery operators.

People most at risk are those who in the following industries used hand held powered tools such as:

  • Building and maintenance of roads and railways
  • Construction
  • Estate management (e.g. maintenance of ground, parks, water courses, road and rail-side verges)
  • Forestry
  • Foundries
  • Heavy engineering
  • Manufacturing concrete products
  • Mines and quarries
  • Motor vehicle manufacture and repair
  • Public utilities (e.g. water, gas, electricity, telecommunications)
  • Ship building and repair

Symptoms of (HAVS) can include:

  • Tingling and numbness in the fingers, often continuing after use of machinery.
  • One finger temporarily turns white and may start to ache.
  • The finger turns white more often.
  • Other fingers begin turning white.
  • After several fingers turn white, the disease is probably irreversible; the thumb is not usually affected.
  • The sufferer experiences increasingly frequent painful attacks at any time.
  • In extreme cases the sufferer may lose fingers - this is more likely when the worker is using vibrating machinery at very low temperatures.
  • Cold weather will also worsen the Symptoms.

This is commonly known as Vibration white finger

Employer’s obligations

Although employers have no specific duties that they have to follow to reduce vibration risks at work, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that the all employers must carry out a risk assessment and establish controls of vibration injury risks.

Factors to be considered are:

  • The amount of tool vibration
  • The length of time for which the tool is used
  • Establishing whether the tool is used continuously or intermittently
  • The temperature of the workplace
  • The work method
  • The ergonomics of the task
  • Each worker’s susceptibility to injury

For guidance on how to ensure a safe working environment see The Vibration Regulations. The regulations are specifically a guide to inform employers as to:

  • Exposure Action Values - the level above which the employer must take measures to control the vibration risk
  • Exposure Limit Values - the level at which further daily exposure must be prevented.

These Action Levels will be set at 2.5 and 5 m/s2. Please see the HSE’s Vibration Calculator pages if you need explanation of these measures

Employee’s responsibilities

  • An Employee also has a duty of care to look after themselves and fellow workers. Where appropriate, you should:
  • Ask the employer if a job could be done in a different way without using vibrating tools
  • Use low-vibration tools
  • Always use the right tool for the job
  • Ensure tools have been maintained and repaired to avoid vibration caused by faults and general wear
  • Keep cutting tools sharp
  • Reduce the amount of time you use the tool in one go, by doing other jobs in between
  • Avoid gripping or forcing the tools more than necessary
  • Store tools correctly so that they do not have very cold handles when next used
  • Encourage good blood circulation by keeping warm and massaging and exercising finger during your breaks

If you or someone you know needs help, then let Injuries Direct get compensation for your personal Injuries. Call now on 0800 2800 979 alternatively fill out our Contact form

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