Vibration

Nearly two million people at risk from hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a serious and disabling condition that is preventable if appropriate controls are in place. Theo Simon, an application engineer specialist in abrasives at 3M, discusses situations where there is repeated and frequent use of hand-held power tools – such as orbital sanders and angle grinders, found in industries such as foundries, heavy steel fabrication and construction.

Lancashire County Council has been fined £50,000 after 15 employees working in the highways department developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVs) as a result of failure to control exposure to vibration. IOSH magazine spoke to UK Health and Safety Executive inspector Jennifer French, who investigated the case, about what happened.

Ignoring the risks of whole-body vibration exposure can lead to misery for vehicle operators, and hefty sickness bills for their employers. As industry ramps up after extended shutdowns, the risks could be more present than ever.

Places for People Homes successfully reduced its fine by showing how vulnerable people would suffer.

A number of employees were diagnosed with hand-arm vibration syndrome at the construction giant’s foundry in Telford.

A safety consultant has been prosecuted for providing inadequate and flawed advice on noise, vibration and hazardous substances.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a property management organisation after five employees developed hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). 

A Devon-based firm that provides services in rock drilling, cliff stabilisation and rock anchors has been fined after three workers were diagnosed with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Three specialists outline five key lessons that OSH professionals can consider in their work.

Game-changing technology from Curotec makes continual monitoring of workplace vibration a practical reality – giving employers a powerful new tool for managing the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration and Whole Body Vibration.