HSE urges employers to protect workers from vibration risks

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding construction professionals of the importance of controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration, following the recording of 215 new cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in Great Britain last year.

HAVS is a serious and preventable condition caused by prolonged use of hand-held vibrating tools such as breakers, compactors, and angle grinders. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and loss of grip strength, which can severely impact workers’ quality of life and ability to perform manual tasks.

To help manage and reduce the risk of exposure, HSE offers a hand-arm vibration exposure calculator and detailed online guidance. These tools are designed to support employers in identifying and controlling vibration risks, ensuring compliance with legal duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

Employers are encouraged to access the resources on the HSE hand-arm vibration webpage, which includes step-by-step guidance and a link to the calculator.

The regulator also recently concluded an investigation into a social housing provider that failed to protect its workforce from vibration risks. The company was fined £140,000 after several employees were exposed to excessive tool vibration without adequate controls.

To support the sector in managing these risks more effectively, HSE is offering a one-day training course titled Hand-arm vibration: management in the workplace, taking place on Thursday 10 July 2025 at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton.

The course will cover key topics such as risk assessment, exposure control, health surveillance, and employer responsibilities.

For more information or to book a place, visit HSE’s course booking page.