Many businesses are failing to adequately protect their workers from the dangers of hand arm vibration. Workers are being exposed to the hazards of hand arm vibration and in particular being put at risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is the medical term for symptoms caused by vibration damages that may occur in the fingers, hands and arms when working with vibrating tools or machinery. HAVS is a preventable illness, but the damage is irreversible. Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks, costing businesses significant amounts of money and the potential for future fines for breach of health and safety. HSE estimates that almost 2 million people are at risk of HAVS
This was particularly highlighted in a recent case involving Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, who were fined £500,000 for failings in managing exposure to hand arm vibration through the excessive of their workers use of operating hand-held power tools such as hydraulic breakers and floor saws.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found the company failed in its legal duty to ensure the risks to workers who used these tools was kept to as low as possible.
Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions was also found to have failed to assess the risk to workers’ health, failed to put in place and monitor suitable risk control measures and failed to put in place a suitable system of health surveillance.
It’s therefore vital that businesses have the adequate protections in place in order to adequately monitor their employees and mitigate the risks. Vibration assessments will not only identify and mitigate health risks, but also help companies to avoid the loss of skilled workers and costly compensation claims.
Safety First Group can carry out a detailed and expert independent assessment to ensure that your business is compliant with laws governing hand arm vibration. Every Safety First technician is highly-qualified and experienced in assessing your workplace for risks and proposing measures for eliminating or minimising these risks.
To learn more about hand arm vibration assessment, please visit https://www.safetyfirstgroup.co.uk/services/hand-arm-vibration-assessment/ or for more information, please call 0845 004 2133 or email enquiries@safetyfirstgroup.co.uk.
