Lawson-West, solicitors, welcome the rebrand of the Health and Safety Executive’s vibration website with useful information and guidance for employers and employees on Hand Arm Vibration syndrome and whole body vibration. Employees who use power tools and heavy machinery for significant periods most days may be at risk of vibration related syndromes and employers have a duty to protect employees who may be at risk.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
If an employee has to operate hand-held or hand guided power tools such as concrete breakers, sanders, grinders, disc cutters, hammer drills, chipping hammers, power movers, chainsaws, pneumatic drills or operation machinery which vibrates whilst in operation, the employee is at risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.
Symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome include:-
• numbness and/or tingling in fingers,
• loss of feeling in fingers,
• loss of strength in hands.
These symptoms may result in employees not being able to pick up small objects or being less able to pick up heavy objects.
In cold and wet conditions, Vibration White Finger could develop. This causes fingertips to go white and then red, the change from white to red becoming very painful. Vibration White Finger can affect one or more fingers.
Hand Arm Vibration syndrome is preventable, but once an employee has developed the syndrome, it is permanent. Hand Arm Vibration syndrome can leave employees unable to do fine or detailed work and colder weather can trigger painful vibration white finger.
Whole Body Vibration
Employees who drive machines such as fork lift trucks, earth moving vehicles or tractors are exposed to whole body vibration and shocks which can trigger back pain. Employers have a duty to reduce risks of back pain triggered by whole body vibration as far as possible and preventative measures can include:-
• minimising transport of goods or materials or using remote controlled conveyors instead of driven vehicles,
• choosing the most appropriate vehicle for the job,
• giving employees sufficient space and facilities for rest periods,
• considering the seat, suspension and choice of tyres when deciding which vehicle to use,
• regular maintenance,
• designing layout of work sites to reduce the need to transport materials and maintaining vehicle paths to reduce shocks and jolts for drivers,
• training employees in the safe use of such equipment and to be able to adjust such vehicles to best fit them,
• as cold and damp conditions can make back pain triggered by whole body vibration worse, warm and waterproof clothing may need to be provided for outdoor work.
If you have been injured at work or have developed Hand Arm Vibration syndrome or have back pain triggered by whole body vibration, please contact Elizabeth Lawrenson on 0116 212 1000 now, complete one of the on-line forms or text ‘accident’ to 07968 888857 and we’ll call you back.
