Several cases of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) have been reported in a short span by workers at Nottingham City Homes Limited, a social housing management firm
A HSE investigation saw the social housing manager fined £32,000 for failing to protect its workers.
HAVS is a condition caused by prolonged and repeated exposure to vibrations, such as from vibrating tools, and consists of damage or disorder to nerves, blood supply, joints, and muscles in the hands and arms.
The company did not protect workers from vibrations
The HSE investigation found that many employees who work at the company, including bricklayers, joiners, electricians, plasterers, and caretakers, were exposed to vibrations in their day-to-day work.
This often included the use of power tools such as drills or impact drivers, or vibrating plates and road breakers.
Nottingham City Homes Limited was found to have failed to assess or control these workers exposure to vibration. Nor had they actioned suitable or sufficient assessment of the risks of vibration.
Control measures that could have been put in place include removing the need for vibrating tools, using lower-vibration alternative tools, or putting time limits on usage of vibrating tools.
The company pleaded guilty
At prosecution, the firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £32,000, as well as ordered to pay £6,226 in costs to Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
HSE inspector, Tim Nicholson, said: “Nottingham City Homes Limited exposed its employees to vibration through the use of power tools for a long period of time.
“The company failed to properly manage this risk which led to employees suffering ill-health – the effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and, once damage is done, it is irreversible.
“There is extensive guidance available that is straightforward to follow and includes calculation tools to assist in deciding what is needed to protect employees.
“Employers should take this case as a reminder that HSE will not hesitate to act against companies which do not do all that they should to keep employees safe.”
HSE’s guidance on assessment of risk and prevention of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome can be found here.
In September, HSE fined construction company Saga Homes Limited for failing to assess risk and properly secure or store a cast-iron pipe.
The pipe fell and landed across the pavement. It struck a child who was walking by at the time, fracturing his skull.
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