Hand Arm Vibration
Regular exposure to vibration from hand-held tools or vibrating
equipment can cause several kinds of injury to the hands and arms
and can cause permanent damage. It is estimated that up to 300,000
working days are lost each year in the UK due to hand-arm
disability related absences. Together these injuries are known as
'hand arm vibration syndrome'.
HSE provides information, knowledge and solutions to help
protect your workers from hand arm vibration. Our services include
measurement, analysis and research related to workplace vibration
exposure, especially in demanding conditions requiring specialist
measurement techniques. We have a wealth of experience and
expertise in the assessment of hand arm vibration in most
industrial environments, which enables us to develop effective
vibration control strategies for our customers.
Our research provides information to standards bodies, and is
incorporated into many British, European and international
standards.
You can also draw on our expertise through the training that we
deliver for managers and staff on awareness, management and
control of hand arm vibration exposure.
Workplace Noise
Over one million workers in the UK are thought to be at risk of
hearing damage from noise at work. Jobs that place people at risk
are not just in heavy industry; they can be as varied as
entertainment, textiles manufacture or forestry. We can help you to
understand and tackle your workplace noise issues, particularly the
more difficult or complex problems.
We have extensive experience of noise measurement. We measure
and assess all types of workplace noise from machinery, tools,
vehicles, audio headsets, or under crash helmets and hearing
protectors. We also provide advice on hearing protection and assess
the effectiveness of control measures.
HSE has worked with a wide variety of clients including the
military, the police, motorcycle couriers and forestry
workers. Our highly qualified scientists are members of the
Institute of Acoustics and hold certificates of competency in
workplace noise assessment. They also have extensive experience of
investigating workplace accidents and take an active part in
standards-making and research worldwide.
We also offer training for managers and
staff on awareness, management and control of noise exposure.
Other services
As well as hand arm vibration and noise, we offer services in
related areas, including whole-body vibration exposure assessment,
ergonomic assessment and health surveillance.
Contact us
To discuss your noise and vibration issues, please contact:
Paul Pitts +44(0)203 028 2145 or email paul.pitts@hse.gov.uk