Bad Vibrations

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) affect the nerves, blood vessels and muscles of the hand wrist and arm and can become
disabling if ignored. Vibration White Finger is the well known symptom of hand-arm vibration exposure and can leave the effected person with long term pain and discomfort in their fingers and wrists.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a nerve disorder that can also be caused by exposure to prolonged vibration and leads to pain, tingling and numbness in parts of the hand, wrists and arms. HAVS are associated with users of hand held vibrating tools and are prevalent in the construction and mining/quarrying industries through the use of jack hammers, breakers and hammer drills as well as in industries such as forestry (chainsaws), engineering (Hand held grinder and steel saws) and arboriculture workers (strimmers, hedge cutters etc).

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations became legal in July 2005 and requires employers to assess the risks associated with the use of vibrating hand tools and reduce  exposure to a safe level.