Health surveillance
Hand arm vibration syndrome
Regular use of vibrating tools can cause permanent damage to the hands and arms. Our health surveillance helps you catch the early signs and meet your duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
What is HAVS?
Damage from hand-transmitted vibration
Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by regular, frequent exposure to vibration passing into the hands from power tools and equipment, such as grinders, sanders, drills, breakers and chainsaws.
It affects the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand and arm. Once symptoms appear they can be permanent, which is exactly why spotting them early matters so much.
Signs to watch for
The symptoms of HAVS
Symptoms often build up gradually, so they're easy to dismiss at first. Encourage your team to report any of these early.
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers and hands
- Fingers going white (blanching), especially in the cold or wet
- Loss of grip strength and manual dexterity
- Pain, aching or reduced sensation in the hands
Your legal duties
What the regulations expect
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 you must assess and control vibration risk, and provide health surveillance for employees who are regularly exposed above the exposure action value or otherwise at risk.
Exposure action value
Exposure limit value
How we help
Our HAVS health surveillance
We follow the HSE's tiered approach, delivered at our Rochdale centre or on your premises, with a recall system that keeps everyone in date.
Tier 1 & 2
A short screening questionnaire at baseline and then each year, to flag anyone who may be developing symptoms.
Tier 3
A clinical assessment by a qualified occupational health nurse for anyone the questionnaire flags.
Tier 4
A formal assessment with an Occupational Health Physician.
Tier 5
Specialised testing at a regional clinic.
Health. Training. Wellbeing.
Set up your HAVS programme
Tell us about the tools your team uses and we'll put together the right surveillance, with recall built in so nothing lapses.