Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Million workers are exposed to high levels of vibration, of those 460,000 are estimated to be working in construction. 242,000 cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) are reported every year.

Excessive exposure to noise can damage nerves leading to tingling and numbness in the fingers. Continued exposure can lead to a condition known as vibration white finger (VWF).

In the cold and wet, fingers turn blue then red and are painful leading to a reduced sense of touch, loss of strength in the arms and hands and pain or tingling in the forearms at night which can interfere with sleep.

The symptoms are usually progressive as exposure to vibration continues. At early stages employees may not be aware of damage occurring but as VWSF progresses, everyday tasks become more difficult and the damage to hands can become irreversible.
Exposure limit values and action values

Exposure limit values and action values

For hand arm vibration the Hand Arm Vibration Regulations set;

(a) A daily exposure limit value of 5m/s2 A(8)

(b) A daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8)

A daily exposure is ascertained on the basis set out in Schedule 2 part 1
of the Regulations. For whole body vibration -

(a) A daily exposure limit value is 1.15 m/s2 A(8)

(b) A daily exposure action value is 0.5 m/s2 A(8)

The daily exposure is ascertained on the basis set out in Schedule 2 part 2