HAVS can be caused by using hand-held power tools for prolonged periods of time. It is a painful, disabling disease of the hands affecting blood vessels, nerves and joints.
There were 215 new cases of HAVS recorded in Great Britain in 2023.
HSE's hand-arm vibration calculator can assist you in calculating exposures along with guidance on how to use it.
Our HAVS website contains useful guidance and resources on how to manage the risks in your workplace, including:
HAVS enforcement prosecution
A council was recently fined £60,000 for exposing workers to the risks arising from the use of vibrating tools.
HSE's investigation found that:
- the system of health surveillance in place was inadequate
- data used to calculate the vibration exposure to workers grossly underestimated the vibration magnitude of the tools in use
Read more in our press release: Council fined after workers exposed to risks from vibrating tools.
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