HAND/ARM VIBRATION


REDUCING HAVS RISK IN THE WORKPLACE


EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO LOOK


OUT FOR HAVS symptoms will vary from person to person with some people noticing them after a few months of exposure, but for others it can take years. Like most conditions, if the cause is not mitigated it will get worse and may become permanent; however, if symptoms are recognised early enough it is possible to recover.


WORKERS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR


AND REPORT: ● Tingling and numbness in the fingers which can cause sleep disturbance.


● Not being able to feel things properly with their fingers.


● Loss of strength in the hands which can make it hard to pick up or hold heavy objects.


THE RISKS HAVS can result in Vibration White Finger, a painful


and permanent numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. Those affected may also be unable to feel objects and surfaces adequately, suffer loss of strength in the hands, and fingers can go white at the tips. Fingers will also become red and painful upon recovery on the fingertips, especially in the cold and wet. Evidence has found a correlation between HAVS and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which is where pressure on a nerve in the wrist causes pain and numbness in the hands and fingers.


EMPLOYERS’ RESPONSIBILITY At a basic level, the Control of Vibration at Work


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Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at Casella, shares expert advice on protecting workers using vibrating tools.


Using handheld portable power tools and any other equipment that transmits vibration into the arms and hands, puts workers at risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This painful and common health risk for workers is a collection of sensory, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms caused by repetitive trauma from vibration. If the risks are not suitably mitigated early enough, it can be a debilitating condition.


Regulations (2005) states that employers are responsible for protecting their employees’ occupational health and identifying measures that will eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to vibration. Employers should encourage workers to report any symptoms of HAVS and responsibilities extend to estimating the number of times that employees are exposed to HAV and keeping regular records of this.


In the first instance, sourcing an alternative method of work that reduces vibration, such as using different machinery that removes the exposure to vibration should be explored. Those in charge of tool purchasing should only consider tools that have been designed to reduce the risk of vibration to hands and arms while still being suitable for intended use. To help with decision making, businesses can compare vibration emission information for different brands and models and ask for information on any training required for safe operation. It is important then to maintain tools in good working order.


MONITORING AND MITIGATING THE RISK Monitoring equipment such as the Casella HAVex


Vibration Meter can be used to accurately measure the levels of vibration transmitted to the hand from the equipment. This provides a real-world vibration level and enables exposure to be calculated and displays maximum permissible trigger times.


Vibration levels from equipment can be used to protect workers and as an indicator of when maintenance is required, helping to keep employees safe and equipment lasting longer. The HAVex also allows for measurements to be downloaded for analysis and storage, ensuring that data is readily available to demonstrate compliance.


Ultimately, control of the exposure is key. Eliminating, limiting and controlling exposure to vibrating instruments is always the first course of action through the hierarchy of controls. While employers run the risk of reputational damage, fines, and compensation claims if HAVS is found to be unmonitored and uncompensated, it’s the health of workers that must be a priority for employers.


www.casellasolutions.com www.tomorrowshs.com


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