Hand Arm Vibration – are you protecting your workers?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is vibration transmitted from work processes into workers’ hands and arms. It can be caused by operating hand-held power tools, such as road breakers, and hand-guided equipment, such as powered lawnmowers, or by holding materials being processed by machines, such as pedestal grinders.
HAVS is serious and disabling, and nearly 2 million people are at risk.
Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks.
The costs to employees and to employers of inaction could be high.
HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent; there are simple and cost-effective ways to eliminate risk of HAVS. The most efficient and effective way of controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration is to look for new or alternative work methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration. Also health surveillance is vital to detect and respond to early signs of damage.
By law, as an employer, you must assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to hand-arm vibration so that you can protect your employees from risks to their health.
Want to know more about how you can reduce risk from HAVS – call Andrew today on 01302 351975 or 07870 777303 to arrange a FREE consultation.
