VIBRATION

In February 2019 a Social Housing Provider was sentenced for its failure to manage employees’ exposure to vibration after one worker contracted hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

It was found that grounds maintenance workers were frequently exposed to vibration from gardening equipment they used.

In 2017 a previous employee was diagnosed with HAVS prompting a HSE investigation.

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The HSE concluded that the Social Housing provider had not:

• risk-assessed the vibratory tools meaning the company was unaware of the extent to which employees were exposed to vibration and had therefore failed to implement suitable control measures. 

• It had also failed to provide its workers with instruction and training.

 

The outcome was a £20,000 Fine and a payment of £4335 costs.

In conclusion the HSE stated:

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“This was a case of the company failing to implement control measures to manage the risk of vibration. If they had done this, and provided adequate training to employees, then the affected employee would not have developed the condition.”

Property Management Company has been fined £600k for a lack of HAVS Surveillance. Between 2009 and 2014 5 operatives found to be operating tools with high exposure to vibration.

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The company was told that they had:

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• Failed to assess or manage the risks associated with vibrating tools.

• It also failed to provide suitable training or health surveillance for its maintenance workers

• Failed to maintain and replace tools which increased vibration levels.

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The company was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay £13,995 costs.

The HSE Stated;

“Companies must manage the risks associated with vibrating tools," said HSE inspector Andrew McGill. "Hand-arm vibration can be a significant health risk wherever powered hand tools are used for significant lengths of time.

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“HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent. Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks. Health surveillance is vital to detect and respond to early signs of damage.”