Regular and prolonged exposure to vibration, can lead to debilitating injuries to the fingers, hands and arms, causing pain and damage to nerves, affecting blood supply, joints and muscles and eventual loss of sensation. This condition, known as HAVS, is permanent and cannot be treated. The problem can arise where a person is/has been using vibrating tools which has not been controlled or monitored.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was fined after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive. Sheffield Magistrate Court heard that the worker, who was a road maintenance worker had been using vibrating tools for more than 20yrs. Although the Council adopted a health surveillance programme and the condition was identified in 2019 (with a recommendation of reduced vibration exposure), little action was taken. Indeed, the employee continued using vibrating tools until he was stopped at the outset of the HSE investigation. The HSE also found other employees who were affected but were allowed to continue using vibrating tools.
Although there was a system of health surveillance in place, it was found to be inadequate as their recommendations were often ignored or not implemented and that the vibration level records were grossly underestimated. They also found workers were incentivised to use vibrating tools, leading to increased exposure. They pleaded guilty to breaching Sec 33 (1) (a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for their failure to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees in accordance with section 2(1) of the Act. They were fines £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5775.
Industries/Activities that can Give Rise to HAVS
Construction, building and maintenance, heavy engineering, forestry/landscaping, concrete manufacturing, motor vehicle repairs, mining/quarrying. This is not an exhaustive list.
Tools that can Cause HAVS
Chainsaws, concrete breakers, hammer-drills, power hammers, handheld grinders, impact wrenches, jigsaws, powered sanders, strimmers/bush-cutters. This is not an exhaustive list.
What should employers do?
- Research the market and only buy low vibration tools.
- Maintain and service the tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Provide training/instruction to staff on the proper and safe use of the tools.
- Draw up a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify the hazards, risks and control measures. Communicate this to the staff.
- Implement a system to monitor vibration levels, and follow HSE advice on the daily exposure vibration levels.
- Implement health surveillance programme and follow the advice and recommendations.
Employers are advised to call the Health and Safety Helpline on 01455 852 028 for initial advice.
