The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have information relating to Human Factors & Ergonomics on their website.

People are involved in all aspects of work, which is why HSE recognises the importance that human factors can play in helping avoid accidents and ill-health at work.

This 10 page Leaflet INDG90 is aimed at anyone who has a duty to maintain and improve ergonomics in the workplace. It provides examples of ergonomics problems and simple, effective advice on what can be done to solve them.

It will also help to answer questions about ergonomics and will explain how understanding ergonomics can improve health and safety in the workplace.

Let Ergo & Wellbeing help your business or organisation understand the guidance and regulations and improve workplace safety, comfort and wellbeing.

Ergo & Wellbeing can give advice on understanding what is Hand-Arm Vibration and on the HSE's related ‘Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005’.

We can also assist with creating a Hand Arm Vibration (HAV's) control strategy and policy.


What is hand-arm vibration or HAV’s?



Hand-arm Vibration occurs when working with vibrating powered hand-held tools or equipment. It was originally know as ‘white finger’. Hand arm vibration can be a significant health risk whenever exposure to vibrating tools is over a safe daily limit.

What are the symptoms?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the arms and hands. This can result in individual fingers going white when the hand is exposed to cold and 'pins and needles' can occur.

Can damage be permanent?

Yes. Damage caused by HAV is permanent.



What are the vibration exposure limits?



Exposure action value (EAV) is the daily amount of vibration exposure. If vibration exposure is above 2.5 m/s² A(8), employers are required to take action to control exposure. The exposure limit value (ELV) is the maximum amount of vibration employees can be exposed to daily. The ELV for hand-arm vibration is a daily exposure of 5 m/s² A(8).

According to the Health and Safety Executive

…

"HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent.
 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.
There are simple and cost-effective ways to eliminate the risk of HAVS.
 The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations focus on the elimination or control of vibration exposure.
 The long-term aim is to prevent new cases of HAVS occurring and enable workers to remain at work without disability.
 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”.

Health surveillance is also vital to detect and respond to early signs of damage.


Here are some useful links from the Health & Safety Executive

Hand arm vibration - advice to employers