Released On 1st Nov 2023

Managing Hand - Arm Vibration at Work

Managing Hand-arm Vibration

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is often caused by work processes involving hand-held power tools that can affect workers’ hands and arms. Regular and frequent exposure to HAV can result in permanent health effects, including Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a condition characterised by painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, and joint pain.

Employers must protect workers from injury and ill health caused by HAV under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Alongside scrutinising industry-specific guidance, employers may wish to consider the following risk-mitigation strategies:

Select appropriate equipment

Organisations should compare the vibration emissions of different models when selecting equipment. Ideally, equipment should have the lowest vibration possible while still being suitable for the job. It may be prudent for employers to specify maximum vibration emission levels within workplace safety policies.

Limit daily exposure

Organisations should plan work patterns to limit employee exposure to vibration. Specifically, employers should establish a maximum daily exposure duration and leverage rotas to further limit employees’ exposure to vibration. Regular breaks should be encouraged, allowing tool operators to exercise their hands, arms and fingers to alleviate tension and facilitate circulation

Provide personal protective equipment (PPE). Although gloves can’t provide direct protection against HAV, keeping employees’ hands warm could decrease risk by encouraging good blood circulation. Consequently, employers should provide workers with gloves, warm clothing and other appropriate PPE, especially when working in cool conditions.

Train staff Organisations must provide equipment operators and supervisors with information about the risks from vibration and robust training relating to the correct use and maintenance of equipment

Overall, employers should provide alternative work processes to avoid HAV altogether wherever possible. Alternatively, they must take reasonable steps to reduce vibration risks to the lowest level that’s reasonably practicable.

Contact us today for further health and safety workplace guidance.