Vibration and noise are both forms of transmitted energy—and when workers are exposed to them for extended periods, serious health consequences can follow. One of the most common and debilitating conditions caused by regular use of handheld tools is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
HAVS is a serious and irreversible medical condition that affects blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints in the hands and arms. It typically results from prolonged and repeated exposure to hand-transmitted vibration, such as that generated by power tools.
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness and tingling in the fingers
- Loss of grip strength
- Pain in the hands or forearms
- Reduced circulation, sometimes leading to “vibration white finger”
If left unchecked, these symptoms can worsen over time, significantly affecting a worker’s quality of life and ability to work.
To reduce the risk of long-term injury, the UK Government has implemented the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, which help employers understand and limit worker exposure.
Two key values guide safe practice:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5m/s² (based on an 8-hour working day)
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0m/s² (maximum allowed over 8 hours)
Because everyone reacts differently to vibration and it’s difficult to measure exact exposure in real-time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers an online calculator to estimate safe working durations with specific tools:www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/calculator-guide.htm
There are also vibration monitoring tools (accelerometers) that attach directly to equipment. These can provide live data and alert the user when safe thresholds are about to be exceeded.
Prevention measures include:
- Using low-vibration tools specifically designed to reduce exposure
- Rotating tasks or taking regular breaks to limit continuous vibration
- Maintaining tools regularly to reduce vibration output
- Wearing anti-vibration gloves to dampen the impact
- Training workers to use tools safely and identify early symptoms
- Monitoring exposure with reliable tools or digital calculators
- Conducting routine health surveillance to catch symptoms early
While HAVS is preventable, it is not reversible. This makes early intervention and proactive risk management absolutely vital.
Need help assessing and managing vibration risks on your site? Compass HSC provides workplace vibration assessments, exposure tracking tools, and tailored strategies to help you protect your team and stay compliant.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your HAVS prevention programme.