How to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in the workplace

Exposure to vibration at work through the use of hand-held, hand-fed or hand-guided power tools or machines can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), characterised by a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, as well as painful joints and muscle weakening. In 2022, 300 cases of HAVS injuries were recorded in the UK, compared to 180 in 2018, reflecting a steady rise since the COVID-19 pandemic.¹

So, why is this happening? What could be driving this recent increase in new cases and what can individuals and businesses do to prevent it? In this article, we explore essential measures your business can implement to prevent HAVS and how to safeguard your employees’ health, ensuring ongoing compliance with health and safety regulations.

Key takeaways

1. Rising cases: Increased awareness, legacy exposure in older workers, and growth in high-risk industries have contributed to a recent rise in HAVS diagnoses, with some employers failing to adequately control vibration risks.
2. Prevention and compliance: Businesses must follow the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 by conducting risk assessments, limiting exposure, providing training, and monitoring workers' health to prevent HAVS.

What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?

HAVS is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration, typically from tools and machinery such as drills, chainsaws, and grinders. The syndrome affects the blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of grip strength, and, in severe cases, permanent disability.

What causes it?

HAVS develops over time due to repeated exposure to vibrations. The primary cause is prolonged or frequent use of hand-held power tools and vibrating machinery, particularly when used without proper controls in place.

Symptoms of the condition include:

• pain, distress and sleep disturbance
• inability to do fine work (e.g. assembling small components) or everyday tasks (e.g. fastening buttons)
• reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions (i.e. most outdoor work) which would trigger painful, ‘finger-blanching’ attacks affecting circulation in these extremities
• reduced grip strength, which might affect the ability to do work safely

Who is at risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome?

Workers in various industries are at risk of developing HAVS, including:

• Construction workers using drills, jackhammers, and grinders
• Forestry workers operating chainsaws and other cutting tools
• Engineering and manufacturing employees working with vibrating machinery
• Utility and maintenance staff using impact tools and mowers
• Road workers handling vibrating compactors and drills

Why are cases increasing?

Cases of HAVS appear be rising in the UK for a number of contributing reasons. Firstly, greater awareness surrounding the condition due to campaigning and law changes (namely the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005²) from HSE has led to recent increased diagnosis and reporting.

Legacy exposure in older workers – as HAVS symptoms can take years to develop – means that workers who were exposed decades ago are now being diagnosed later in life, contributing to a recent uptick in cases. Additionally, widespread growth in high-risk sectors like construction and manufacturing is responsible for thousands of more workers using power tools like grinders, drills, and chainsaws at work.

Unfortunately, many businesses still struggle to control vibration risks effectively, while increased HSE enforcement and litigation have uncovered more cases. In December 2024, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £5,775.70 after numerous employees undertaking pothole repairs were diagnosed with HAVS and continued to work with vibrating tools. One employee who received a diagnosis in April 2005 continued to work with vibrating tools for a further 14 years.³

The use of temporary workers, who may lack adequate training on the risk of vibration, also contributes to the issue.  Additionally, temporary staff or contractors may move between different job sites frequently, making it more challenging for employers to monitor their exposure levels and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

What does the law require from businesses?

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect workers from the risks to their employees’ health from vibration, as per the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. These regulations introduce action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration.

The regulations introduce an:

• Exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) at which level employers should introduce technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure.
• Exposure limit value of 5.0 m/s² A(8) which should not be exceeded.

How to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome in your employees

Preventing HAVS requires a proactive approach to managing workplace risks. Employers must implement effective measures to minimise exposure and protect workers from long-term health issues.

Risk assessments

Regular risk assessments should be conducted to identify tasks that involve vibration exposure and evaluate their impact on workers. Understanding which tools and processes pose the greatest risk is the first step in reducing harm. Businesses should consider purchasing hand tools that are vibration reduced and keep these in a good state of repair, ensuring they are regularly serviced and maintained.

Worker rotation and breaks

Limiting the time each worker spends using vibrating tools by rotating tasks can help reduce the risk of HAVS. Distributing the workload ensures that no individual is overexposed. Encouraging your employees to take frequent breaks allows their hands and arms to recover from vibration exposure. Short, scheduled rest periods can prevent excessive strain and reduce the likelihood of long-term damage.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Anti-vibration gloves can help absorb some of the impact, although they should not be relied upon as the sole protective measure. PPE should be used alongside other risk-reduction strategies for maximum effectiveness.

Training and awareness

Educating employees on the risks of HAVS and proper tool-handling techniques can significantly reduce exposure. Awareness programmes ensure that workers understand how to use equipment safely and recognise early symptoms of HAVS.

Health monitoring

Regular health checks for workers using vibrating tools can help identify early signs of HAVS and prevent progression. Early detection allows for intervention before symptoms become severe or irreversible.