Hand-arm vibration at work

Over 4 million people are exposed to hand-arm vibration in the workplace each year! These are mainly from the manufacturing and construction industry. Two million of these workers are exposed to levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing disease. 

Hand-arm vibration comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles of the hands and arms). 

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread recognised industrial disease from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health; it is a disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints, of the hand wrist and arm. Its best known effect is vibration-induced white finger’ (VWF).

Am I at risk?

You could be at risk if you are regularly involved with using power tools such as:

• Concrete breakers, concrete pokers;
• Sanders, grinders, disc cutters;
• Hammer drills;
• Chipping hammers;
• Chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers,
• Powered mowers;
• Scabblers or needle guns.