What You Need to Know
Chapter 2 of Part 5 and Schedule 6 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) as amended by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amended) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 732 of 2007) sets down the minimum requirements for the protection of workers from the health risks associated with vibration in the workplace.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a recognised industrial disorder affecting the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. It is caused by excessive exposure to hand arm vibration tools.
The advanced stage of hand-arm HAVS can present with disabling loss of hand function. There are three components to HAVS:
Vascular: This refers to impaired blood circulation and blanching of affected parts of the hand/fingers. This component is often known as vibration white finger (VWF).
Neurological: This often manifests initially as numbness and tingling sensations but can progress to more severe loss of dexterity and other problems. These symptoms cause considerable discomfort and loss of manual dexterity, resulting in clumsiness and reduced grip
Musculoskeletal: This is associated with pain and stiffness in the hands, wrists and other parts of the upper limb. As well as being associated with joint changes, vibration has been associated with exacerbation of other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority provides guidelines for HAV Risk Assessment HAV Risk Assessment – Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie)
Risk assessment involves identifying and collating information on what machines, equipment, or processes may cause vibration, and identifying who may be at risk.
Employers are obliged by law to provide suitable HAVS health surveillance where the risk assessment indicates a risk to workers’ health.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations introduces a detailed “Tier system” for HAVS assessments. This includes pre-employment and annual questionnaires, detailed assessments by a HAVS qualified nurse or doctor, and specialized tests.
Health surveillance will be required where exposure reaches or exceeds exposure action values.
