Hand Arm vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as ‘vibration white finger’, can affect anyone using hand-held power tools over long periods. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 aim to protect workers against the risks of using hand-held power tools, and hand-guided and hand-fed machinery. The Regulations require regular health surveillance for those workers at risk and medical assessments for those with new or worsening symptoms. The assessment also includes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which may be caused by vibration tools.

 Health Surveillance and assessments are undertaken by qualified and approved occupational health nurses and doctors and the Regulations recommend 5 Tiers of assessment:

•  Tier 1 Initial assessment by questionnaire before the employee starts work with vibrating tools.
•  Tier 2 Annual assessment by questionnaire
•  Tier 3 Assessment by qualified nurse or doctor if symptoms are reported in Tier 2
•  Tier 4 Formal clinical diagnosis by doctor and reporting by employer under RIDDOR regulations
•  Tier 5 Use of specialised standardised tests if required to confirm diagnosis of HAVS

 The Regulations also detail the employer’s responsibilities which include identifying and eliminating risk, assessment where risk remains and control measures to reduce or control risk as much as possible.

RSOH have a number of fully trained and accredited specialists able to perform HAVS assesments.  Please contact us with your requirements.