Exposure to vibration in the workplace, especially from hand-held tools and machinery, remains a significant occupational hazard and can lead to severe, irreversible health conditions.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- 215 new cases of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) were reported in 2023/25.
- 115 new cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and 120 cases of Dupuytren’s Contracture were also linked to vibration exposure.
Most cases occur in industries such as construction, manufacturing and vehicle repair, where vibrating tools are frequently used. Roles like engineers, mechanics, site operatives and grounds maintenance staff often carry an increased risk.
These figures highlight why compliance isn’t just about legal obligations, it’s about safeguarding employee health and wellbeing.
Understanding Your Responsibilities
The Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 have now been in place for two decades. Therefore, enforcement bodies rightly expect employers to have had ample time to implement robust and practical measures to control these risks.
Here’s a practical checklist to help you meet your obligations and keep your workforce safe:
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
- Identify tasks and tools that expose workers to vibration.
- Estimate exposure levels using vibration data. This data can be from:
- Manufacturer data – Some manufacturer data may underestimate workplace vibration levels substantially, so you should check that it represents the way you use the equipment.
- HSE vibration data.
- On-the-tool vibration measurements.
- Estimate trigger times for using tools and calculate exposure using the HSE vibration calculator.
2. Compare Exposure Levels to Legal Limits
- This is calculated automatically using the HSE vibration calculator.
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8) – you must take action if exposure exceeds this value.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0 m/s² A(8) – you must never allow employee exposure to exceed this limit.
3. Eliminate or Reduce Exposure
- Use alternative methods (e.g. battery-operated equipment, remote-controlled devices).
- Select low-vibration tools and ensure that they’re suitable for the task.
- Introduce job rotation to limit individual exposure time.
- Ensure that employees receive and take adequate breaks
4. Maintain Equipment
- Regularly inspect and service tools to prevent increased vibration from wear and tear.
5. Provide Training and Information
- Educate workers on the risks associated with vibration and the importance of safe tool usage.
- Inform employees on equipment and tasks that increase the risk of vibration and communicate safe working practices to prevent exposure from becoming excessive.
6. Implement Health Surveillance
- Monitor workers exposed above the EAV, or those showing symptoms if EAV is not met, through occupational health services.
7. Keep Records
- Document exposure levels, control measures and health surveillance outcomes.
Beyond Compliance
Managing vibration risk is more than ticking boxes – it’s about creating a safer workplace and protecting employee health and wellbeing over the long term.
If you’d like further support with vibration risk assessments, training, or health surveillance, please contact us on 02920 853731 or email tcms@thomas-carroll.co.uk.
