Hand Arm vibration

A social housing provider has been fined £140,000 at Birmingham Magistrates court in April after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act after two employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome  (HAVS).

Between 2018 and 2023 their roles required regular use of lawn mowers leaf blowers, streamers and hedge cutters exposing both men to vibration.  The HSE investigation found that no risk assessment had taken place, vibration exposure was not adequately recorded, no information, instruction or training on the risks of vibration had been given and there was no suitable system of health surveillance in place.

HAVS is a disabling disorder of the nerves, blood supply, joints and muscles in the hands and arms affecting the fine motor skills.  HAVS can be prevented by having a suitable system of controls in place and active health surveillance if there remains a risk of exposure.