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A £140,000 fine was recently issued after two workers were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as HAV disease, following long-term exposure to vibrating tools. This court case serves as a crucial reminder of the risks posed by HAV on construction and maintenance sites. While the specific employer was held accountable, the incident highlights the broader, often neglected issue of HAVS in the construction industry.
This blog post explores what HAVS is, the complications it causes, and most importantly—what employers, supervisors, and workers can do to stay safe and prevent this debilitating condition.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), or HAV disease, is a serious health condition caused by frequent and prolonged exposure to vibrating power tools. It affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and joints in the hands and arms, leading to painful, often irreversible damage.
The condition develops gradually, but if left unaddressed, the impact can be lifelong. Symptoms of HAVS include:
HAVS is common in occupations where workers use strimmers, hedge trimmers, grinders, drills, mowers, and other handheld equipment for extended periods. Without proper training, protective measures, and health surveillance, the damage can be permanent.
In the recent case, two estate maintenance workers developed HAVS after repeatedly using vibrating tools for everyday tasks over a five-year period. These tasks included grass cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, and litter picking—activities often underestimated in terms of vibration exposure.
One of the affected workers, aged 60, reported that 90% of his workday was spent using vibrating equipment. He described the devastating impact HAVS has had on his life:
“I’ve lost my fine motor skills. I can’t pick up small objects, button a shirt, or use a knife and fork properly. The pain keeps me awake at night. I can’t even hold my grandchildren without fear of dropping them.”
This personal account underscores the human cost of failing to manage HAV risks effectively on construction and maintenance sites.
An investigation found several failings by the employer that led to the court-imposed fine. These included:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concluded that the risks were both foreseeable and preventable. The court found the employer guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, resulting in a £140,000 fine and additional legal costs.
HAVS disease is preventable, yet it remains widespread in industries like construction, landscaping, and maintenance. In many cases, the issue arises from a lack of awareness and training, particularly around:
Often, employers and supervisors assume that health and safety training is a one-time event, rather than an ongoing responsibility. However, recognizing symptoms early, understanding the risks, and using tools safely can make the difference between a healthy worker and a lifelong injury.
To reduce the risk of HAVS on site, employers and supervisors must take a proactive approach. Key steps include:
Identify which tasks involve exposure to vibration and assess how long workers are using tools each day. This assessment should form the basis for your HAVS action plan.
Use job rotation to avoid having workers use vibrating tools for extended periods. Provide adequate rest breaks and ensure tools are only used when necessary to avoid HAVS-related health issues.
Choosing low-vibration equipment is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HAVS disease. Additionally, regular maintenance of tools can help reduce vibration levels, further protecting workers from long-term damage.
Ensure all workers understand the risks of HAVS, how to use tools safely, and what symptoms to watch for. Training should be refreshed regularly and tailored to job roles.
Monitor your workforce for early signs of HAVS disease. Regular health surveillance can identify early symptoms and allow for prompt intervention, preventing permanent damage.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve health and safety awareness is through accessible online training. Safe2Site offers two trusted options for workers and supervisors:
This fully online course covers key health and safety principles, including:
It’s the fastest route to gaining a CSCS Green Labourer Card, allowing you to work legally and safely on UK construction sites.
🔗 Learn more: Safe2Site CSCS Course
For supervisors and site managers, the Safe2Site Supervision Training is a flexible alternative to the SSSTS course. This training is ideal for anyone with health and safety responsibilities, and it includes:
By completing this course, supervisors can help ensure their sites remain safe from HAV and other health risks.
🔗 Learn more: Safe2Site Supervision Training
The recent case is a stark reminder of the serious consequences of failing to manage vibration risks on construction and maintenance sites. HAVS disease is entirely preventable, and with the right training, tools, and monitoring, employers can protect their workers and avoid costly fines.
By implementing effective vibration risk assessments, using low-vibration tools, rotating tasks, and providing comprehensive health surveillance, employers can ensure their workers remain safe from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Whether you’re a labourer, a supervisor, or responsible for site safety, taking proactive steps to prevent HAVS will safeguard your team’s health and ensure compliance with safety regulations.