Workplace Vibration Risk Assessment

Repeated exposure to vibration in the workplace is a common problem for workers who operate hand-held power tools and heavy machinery. Vibration from mechanical equipment causes a range of health issues affecting the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. There are two different types of vibration that create an occupational health hazard in the workplace.

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)

Caused by using vibrating hand-held equipment. The vibration impacts the hand and arm, which can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, vibration white finger and other nerve-related damage.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Caused by operating large machinery like excavators, diggers, and rock crushers. Whole body vibration transmits through the seat or feet, affecting the entire body. Health effects include back pain, muscle pain, stiffness, limited motion and other Vibration Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD).

Symptoms of excessive vibration include numbness, tingling, aches and pains, reduced strength, weakened grip, loss of fine motor skills and Vibration White Finger (VWF). For some, the symptoms begin within months of repeated exposure, while for others it may take years to develop.

As an employer, providing a safe, healthy environment for your workers is not only a legal responsibility but also makes good commercial sense. A positive workspace increases productivity, reduces absenteeism, and boosts morale. Employers must take action to prevent risk from exposure to vibration, and several engineering and administrative steps can be taken to achieve this.

• Implement job rotation or other workflow changes to minimise long periods of vibration, including taking regular breaks.
• Identify and control vibration in the workplace.
• Use tools with lower vibration levels.
• Install anti-vibration mounts, use damping materials and lubricate machinery.
• Provide the correct PPE, including anti-vibration gloves.
• Maintain equipment – a poorly serviced power tool can produce excessive vibration.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on the proper use of PPE, machinery, and equipment.
• Implement a health surveillance schedule to monitor employees for early signs of vibration-related health problems.

The rules are clear when it comes to vibration risk in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set exposure limits detailing maximum levels of exposure for both whole-body and hand-arm vibration.

Hand-Arm Vibration

• Exposure Action Value = 2.5m/s2 A(8)
  • the average level over an 8 hour day above which employers must take action to control the risk
• Exposure Limit Value = 5.0 m/s2 A(8)
  • the maximum level an employee may be exposed to in any single day

Whole-Body Vibration

• Exposure Action Value = 0.5m/s2
  • the level of exposure above which employers must take action to control the risk
• Exposure Limit Value = 1.15m/s2
  • the maximum level an employee may be exposed to in any single day

For many businesses, operating within vibration exposure legislation can be complex and another drain on their valuable resources. Blue Turtle can help by providing guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. Our occupational health advisors are experts in their field and experienced in assessing vibration risk to protect employees from workplace health hazards.

A professional Vibration Risk Assessment will ensure your organisation complies with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Exposure to regular vibration during the working day can cause debilitating conditions and affect the ability of your employees to continue to work. Certain industries, like automotive and construction, are more at risk from vibration, but the rules apply to all. So, if your workplace uses power tools or machinery, you must have a compliant vibration risk assessment in place. A vibration risk assessment should establish the following:

• Where there is a vibration risk
• The level of vibration
• Who is affected
• The health risk
• Control measures required
• Regular health surveillance

At Blue Turtle Ltd, our expert Occupational Hygiene Consultants are on hand to provide advice and implement correct procedures to keep your workplace fully compliant with UK health and safety legislation. We will assess potential vibration hazards, identify those affected, and recommend a strategy to manage and control the risk.

At Blue Turtle Ltd, we provide a professional and friendly service where a trained Occupational Hygienist will visit your place of work to conduct a vibration survey to assess current workplace exposures, practices, controls and create an action plan to address areas of improvement. A typical Workplace Vibration Risk Assessment Survey will include:

• Identify the source of vibration within the workplace.
• Determine who might be affected by excess vibration.
• Measure high vibration levels and areas of exposure.
• Recommend and implement control measures like PPE and engineering controls.
• Implement a schedule of health surveillance, including formal recording of the results.
• Assist with ongoing training and guidance.

Every survey is followed by a detailed, easy-to-understand report that clearly identifies vibration risk results and the effectiveness of current control measures. The report will recommend improvements and any gaps in legislative compliance. The report also provides you with risk-ranked actions so that you can focus resources on the higher-risk items first. We help businesses of all types manage their workplace health hazards. Our experienced consultants can provide practical advice on how to achieve adequate control through process changes, improvements, or adopting/changing work practices to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable.

Blue Turtle is a professional team of occupational hygiene consultants committed to health and safety in the workplace. Whatever your Occupational Hygiene needs are, Blue Turtle Ltd is here to help your business protect your workforce and meet your legal obligations. Call us today to discuss your needs, or if you prefer, complete the online form with a brief outline of your business needs and/or concerns.

Blue Turtle – The missing cog in your business health!