What is hand-arm vibration?
Hand arm vibration is vibration transmitted into your hands and arms when using certain equipment. It can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
What kinds of tools and equipment can cause ill health from vibration?
- chainsaws.
- concrete breakers/road breakers.
- cut-off saws (for stone etc)
- hammer drills.
- hand-held grinders.
- impact wrenches.
- jigsaws.
- needle scalers.
What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm and can become severely disabling if ignored.
What are the early signs and symptoms to look out for?
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers (which can cause sleep disturbance).
- Not being able to feel things with your fingers.
- Loss of strength in your hands (you may be less able to pick up or hold heavy objects).
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder which may involve pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in parts of the hand and can be caused by, among other things, exposure to vibration.
How can the risks be reduced?
It is an employers responsibility to protect employees against HAVS and CTS.
Employers can reduce risk by:
- Automating task such as using robotic tools
- Choosing the right tools
- Ensuring work rotation
- Use of gloves and anti-vibration grips
- Regular health checks
- Training and education
- Workstation design
- Reducing exposure time
- Cold protection
- Regular equipment maintenance
Employees can help reduce the risk as well by:
- using suitable low vibration tools
- using the right tool for each job
- checking tools before using them to make sure they have been properly maintained and repaired to avoid increased vibration caused by faults or general wear
- making sure cutting tools are kept sharp so that they remain efficient
- reducing the amount of time they use a tool in one go, by doing other jobs in between
- avoiding gripping or forcing a tool or workpiece more than needed
- storing tools so that they do not have very cold handles when next used
- encouraging good blood circulation by:
- keeping warm and dry, eg wear warm waterproof clothing
- giving up or cutting down on smoking because smoking reduces blood flow
- and massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks
- reporting any problems with your hands promptly to your employer or the person who does your health checks;
- using any control measures your employer has put in place to reduce the risk of HAVS;
- asking your trade union safety representative or employee representative for advice.
What’s Involved in a HAVS Health Check
A HAVS health check is part of a tiered health surveillance process used to identify early signs of hand-arm vibration syndrome in workers using vibrating tools.
Tier 1 – Initial Screening:
A basic questionnaire when an employee starts vibration-exposed work.
Tier 2 – Annual Review:
A yearly symptom check to catch early warning signs like tingling, numbness, or finger blanching.
Tier 3 – Clinical Assessment:
A face-to-face or virtual consultation with an occupational health professional if symptoms are reported.
Tier 4 – Formal Diagnosis:
A certified occupational health doctor confirms and stages HAVS severity.
Tier 5 – Specialist Referral:
If required, for complex or severe cases.
What are Employers legal responsibilities?
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers must:
- Assess the Risk
Identify employees exposed to vibration and measure exposure levels.
- Control the Risk
Reduce exposure through better tools, task rotation, and limited use.
- Provide Health Surveillance
Offer regular checks to detect early signs of HAVS in exposed workers.
- Inform and Train Staff
Educate employees on risks, symptoms, and safe working practices.
- Keep Records and Review
Document assessments, surveillance, and update control measures regularly.
Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to fines, legal claims, and HSE enforcement.
Next steps
Want to make sure your team is protected and compliant with HAVS regulations?
Contact us today to schedule an occupational health review or speak to our team of workplace health experts.
📩 Email: hello@healthality.co.uk
📞 Call: 01494 623 053
🌐 Visit: healthality.co.uk
