July 18, 2005—New regulations that will help UK employers and employees take preventive action from vibration risks in the workplace came into effect on July 6, 2005, says the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) is a major cause of occupational ill health in the UK, according to HSE. An estimated five million workers are exposed to HAV in the workplace. Two million of these workers are exposed to levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing disease. Each year, approximately 3,000 new claims for Industrial Injury Disability Benefit are made in relation to vibration white finger and vibration related carpal tunnel syndrome.
HSE is offering guides for employers to help them to decide whether their employees are likely to exceed the new exposure action or limit values. The leaflets also provide advice on practical actions employers can take to control the risk, stressing the importance of simple, common sense measures to reduce exposure.
The publications are available from HSE or HSE Books.
