Control of vibration

Managing the risk of Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

From 6 July 2010, all employers are required to comply with The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

With this deadline looming it's important that you and your customers are aware of the steps that must be taken to successfully address vibration-related risk and to avoid costly Hand Arm Vibration claims.

Businesses most at risk from HAV claims are customers within building construction, civil engineering, heavy engineering, utilities and estate management. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that five million workers are exposed to HAV in the UK with two million exposed to levels where there is a clear risk of developing vibration-related health conditions.

The regulations require your customer to assess their employees’ exposure to HAVS and, where necessary, introduce control measures to reduce vibration exposure and to provide information, training and health surveillance.

By taking preventative steps, including risk assessments, health surveillance and effective record keeping, your customers can:

• Reduce the likelihood of facing expensive claims
• Control vibration levels within recommended legal limits
• Minimise and manage the number of employees who develop symptoms.

Working in partnership with solicitors Beachcroft LLP and our Occupational Disease Centre, we have produced a comprehensive guide to give our collective views on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Download this guide here »