HAVS Guidance Updated
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 place duties on employers to protect those who may be exposed to vibration, which could lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
The regulations came into force on 6 July 2005 and aim to protect workers from risks to health through vibration.
Exposure to vibration at work through the use of hand-held, hand-fed or hand-guided power tools or machines can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Dupuytren’s Contracture.
In 2022 there were 300 new cases of HAVS reported, 150 instances of carpal tunnel syndrome and 200 of Dupuytren’s contracture. The true figure is likely to be more than this.
HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent. It’s believed nearly 2 million people in the UK are currently at risk.
The most efficient way of controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration is to look for new or alternative work methods that eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration.
The HSE has updated the guidance on its website to include:
- An updated page that offers advice for employers on HAVS
- Replacing the vibration exposure and monitoring PDF
- Removal of any outdated content from the page featuring the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Aegis has employees fully qualified and experienced in carrying out hand arm vibration assessments, and the latest state of the art measuring equipment. For more information and guidance, contact our team here.