£250,000 Fine for breach of Vibration Regs

A council which failed to control the exposure of their workers to hand-arm vibration has been fined £250,000 after a worker was left with permanent injuries.

The man in question would typically spend up to six hours a day using a range of powered equipment, including mowers and hedge cutters, but he was not under any health & safety surveillance programme, nor had he been advised about the potential risks from using power tools, trained in how to control exposure to vibration, or told how he should report any ill health symptoms.

HSE principle inspector said: Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a serious disease that impacts on people’s lives and impairs their ability to work. It is entirely preventable but once the damage is done it is permanent. Any business can learn from this case. If you have workers who use heavy machinery you need to ensure you properly manage the risks from HAVs, control or eliminate the exposure and train them so they can identify the symptoms.

GAR Training Services LTD can advise and assist in setting up a health surveillance programme to ensure your company remain compliant and your workers stay safe. If you would like any further information, please get in touch via:  info@gar-trainingservices.co.uk