Earlsmere

What is it? Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread recognised industrial disease affecting tens of thousands of workers. It is a disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints, of the hand wrist and arm. Its best known effect is vibration-induced white finger’ (VWF). Effects The effects of excessive exposure to Hand Arm Vibration can result in various patterns of diseases casually known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, more commonly known as ‘Vibration White Finger’. This can affect nerves, joints, muscles, blood vessels or connective tissues of the hand and forearm. Tingling ’whiteness’ or numbness in the fingers. (blood vessels and nerves) This may not be noticeable at the end of a working day, and in mild cases may affect only the tips of the fingers. As the condition becomes more severe, the whole finger down to the knuckles may become white. Feeling may also be lost. Fingers Change colour (Blood vessels) With continued exposure the person may suffer periodic attacks in which the fingers change colour when exposed to the cold. Initially the fingers rapidly become pale and feeling is lost. This phase is followed by an intense red flush (sometimes preceded by a dusky bluish phase) signalling the return of blood circulation to the fingers and is usually accompanied by uncomfortable throbbing. Loss of manual dexterity (Nerves & Muscles) In more severe forms; attacks may occur frequently in cold weather, not only at work, but during leisure activities, such as gardening, car washing or even watching outdoor sports; and may last up to an hour causing considerable pain and loss of manual dexterity and reduced grip strength. Muscle Fatigue & reduced hand grip strength (Muscles). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Muscles and nerves) Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the nerves and muscles of the wrist and hand and can be due to conditional twisting of the wrist. It can be caused by Hand-Arm Vibration, although it can be brought on through other causes. As the condition worsens, the attacks can occur even in warm surroundings and may affect the persons sleeping habits. Pain and stiffness in the hands and joints of the wrists, elbows and shoulder can occur. Who is at risk? Those who use powered hand held tools on a regular basis whether it be a chainsaw or power hammer or chisel. The associated risks remain the same. Any Vibrating tool or process, which causes tingling or numbness after 5 to 10 minutes of continuous use is suspect. Individuals most at risk are those whose jobs require regular and frequent use of vibrating tools and equipment. Such jobs are found in a wide range of industries, including: Road and railway construction and maintenance Concrete Products Construction Forestry/Gardening Foundries Light and Heavy Engineering Mining and Quarrying Metal Working Stone Masonry Wood Work Public Services Public Utilities There are hundreds of tools which can expose operators to hand-arm vibration, and hence put them at risk of developing HAVS. Higher-risk processes include drilling, compacting, riveting, caulking, hammering, grinding and polishing, and cutting metal or stone. Are you prepared? With an increasing amount of legislation concerning human exposure to vibration many companies are faced with the challenge to determine which information is correct and up to date which can be somewhat confusing. To successfully protect your workforce from the effects of Hand Arm Vibration it is vital that you the employer has in place effective Hand Arm Vibration Management Systems Measure, Monitor and crucially prevent any risks associated with Hand Arm Vibration. As an employer you are legally obliged to provide training on health risks and the safe use of equipment to ensure that your workforce is fully aware of the problems associated with Hand Arm Vibrations How we can help We can carry out onsite testing and assessment of all your plant, tools and equipment. We can also implement a tailor made Hand Arm Vibration Management systems to suit your requirements which will also help you fully comply with all legislation. Useful Fact Current Legislation (directive 2002/44/EC) gives instructions relating to the level at which action must be taken (EAV – 2.5m/s²) and a max daily limit (ELV – 5m/s²). It should be noted that any worker already identified as needing to work to lower levels will already have a programme in place.

What is it? Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is caused from Vibrations passing through the body via machinery. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a widespread recognised industrial problem affecting many workers, in many industries, but particularly in construction, agriculture, forestry and transport, where vibration exposure from use of vehicles or plant in these industries is, is regular, prolonged and frequent. It is a disorder which can affect the lower back, spine and possibly the neck and shoulders. WBV has been associated with these disorders, but may not be the whole cause of such disorders, as the symptoms can be due to other causes associated with posture, and manual handling. Effects The most commonly reported injury relating to Whole Body Vibration is back pain. Exposure to Whole Body Vibration can cause a complex distribution of oscillatory motions and forces within the body, causing unpleasant sensations which can amount in discomfort and aggravation. The longer the exposure time the greater the chance you will suffer back injury. Whole Body Vibration can be caused by The movement of the wheels or tracks of a vehicle or mobile machine crossing an uneven or rough surface. If the driver experiences shocks or jolts, or is thrown around in the cab by such terrain, this will contribute significantly to the levels of WBV. Using mobile machines to excavate holes or trenches in the ground. Using mobile machines to load materials (e.g. sand) into Lorries. The rotation of helicopter rotor blades causing high WBV levels to be transmitted through the airframe into the seats. Boats travelling fast across rough seas. Railway vehicles (especially old rolling stock). The operation of large static compaction, hammering or punching machines, such as hammer drills and mobile crushers. Lower back pain may be caused by prolonged exposure to WBV from the above sources, but there can be other possible contributing factors, such as: Poor posture whilst driving or operating plant. Sitting for long periods without being able to change position. Poorly placed controls which require the driver/ operator to stretch or twist to operate them, or driving over rough ground whilst checking over the shoulder on the operation of attached equipment. Manual lifting and carrying of heavy objects, especially if this is combined with the effects of WBV from driving or operating vehicles or plant. Repeatedly climbing into or jumping out of high or difficult access vehicle cabs. All above factors (including WBV) can separately cause back pain. The risk will be increased, however, where a person is exposed to two or more factors together. Who is at risk? Some Vehicles and plant are likely to cause or aggravate back problems and involve exposure to high levels of Whole Body Vibration are Forklift Trucks Off Road Vehicles Tractors and Farm Vehicles and Machinery Heavy Construction/Maintenance Vehicles and Plant Excavators, Loading Shovels, Road Rollers Quarrying Vehicles and Plant Helicopters Fast Boats Railway Vehicles Large Static Machines used in Compaction, Hammering or Punching. This is list is by no means comprehensive and where people regularly work where vehicles and plant such as these for prolonged periods, there is likely to be a risk of exposure to high levels of Whole Body Vibration (WBV). It is safest to regard regular prolonged use of any high vibration vehicle or plant as suspect, particularly if such devices produce (or are subject to) frequent shocks and/or jolts. To successfully protect your workforce from the effects of Whole Body Vibration it is vital that you the employer has in place effective Whole Body Vibration Management Systems. The following actions are suggested to help reduce the risk of WBV injury: Inform: Drivers can control their exposure to WBV when they know the risks and the steps they can take to reduce their exposure. How we can help If your business uses plant, machinery or vehicles that give you any cause for concern, we are able to undertake a complete assessment and test of all your vehicles within actual working conditions. We can also supply a range of Rebound products designed and proven to effectively reduce Whole Body Vibrations associated with vehicles and sit in machinery. Useful Fact Current Legislation (directive 2002/44/EC) give instructions relating to the level at which action must be taken (0.5 m/s2) and a maximum limit (1.15 m/s2). It should be noted that any worker already identified as needing to work to lower levels will already have a programme in place.

What is it? Sounds and noises are a part of everyday life; however excessive exposure to high levels of noise can be somewhat a nuisance and lead to health problems. The new noise at work regulations were introduced 8th April 2006. They are aimed at protecting the hearing of employees and state exactly what s required from the employer/employee and machine suppliers. The potential danger can be controlled effectively if the noise levels area assessed and control measures put in place. Effect Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Damage can involve loss of hearing ability and people may also suffer a permanent sensation of ringing in the ears known as ‘tinnitus’. Hearing loss caused by over exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. Research estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other hearing and ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work. Factors that contribute to hearing damage include Noise levels (given in dB[a]) How long people are exposed to the noise, Daily and over the years. To successfully protect your workforce form the effects of noise in the workplace it is vital that you as the employer implement noise management systems. How we can help We can carry out Noise assessments within the workplace and upon doing so implement a noise management system to reduce and control your risk of noise within the workplace. General Information Employers have a legal duty to protect the hearing of their employees. The employer is expected to have the noise assessed with daily personal exposure levels (LEP, d) quoted to determine if the action levels are being exceeded. Damage to hearing is irrevocable; however exposure to loud noise at work is preventable. If people have to shout to be heard clearly by someone approximately 2 metres away, you may have a noise problem and should have this investigated as a matter of urgency. Guide to noise levels A normal conversation 50-60dB(A) A loud radio 65-75dB(A) A busy street 78-85dB(A) A heavy lorry about 7 metres away 95-100dB(A) A pig house at feeding time 110dB(A) A chainsaw 115-120db(A) A jet aircraft taking off 25 metres away 140dB(A)

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