HAVS, which stands for hand-arm vibration syndrome, is a range of disorders caused by working with vibrating tools. Despite its medical name, HAVS does not only affect the hands and arms. For instance, vibration white finger (VWF) is a condition commonly linked to HAVS.
Using handheld power tools including stringer trimmers, sanders, grinders, chainsaws, floor saws and hammer drills, can cause this syndrome. Working in industries where these tools are required puts you at risk. These include:
- Building and maintenance
- Construction
- Heavy engineering
- Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding
If you use vibrating tools regularly over an eight-year-period, you have, on average, a 1 in 10 chance of developing HAVS, according to HSE data. However, symptoms can occur from anything from less than a year to four decades after first exposure.
The disorder is preventable with the aid of simple precautions. However, if an individual develops HAVS, it is a permanent condition which can lead to debilitating symptoms if left untreated.
Employers are required by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 to protect workers from vibration-related health risks. Early detection is key. If you or your employees are at risk of HAVS, it’s important to take the right precautions to prevent severe, irreversible damage.
Symptoms of HAVS
HAVS is linked to symptoms such as:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers
- Loss of hand and grip strength
- Pains and aches
- Reduced sense of touch
- Reduced temperature and pain perception
Chronic conditions
Individuals suffering from HAVS may experience chronic, life-altering consequences including pain; sleep interference; and inability to do fine work and everyday tasks.
It can also put you at risk of a number of vascular and neurological diseases, including:
Vibration white finger
Vibration white finger (VWF), sometimes known as vibration-induced white finger, is a condition associated with fingers turning pale or white; numbness or tingling in the affected fingers; decreased touch sensitivity and pain and throbbing in the fingers. It is a form of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon and often an early sign of HAVS.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs in the median nerve, which runs from the forearm and along the wrist towards the palm of the hand, is compressed. Symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers, hand and wrist.
How do you reduce HAVS in the workplace?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a multi-pronged approach to preventing HAVS in work contexts, including:
- Equipment substitution and maintenance: Switching to modern low-vibration tools and adding design improvements like anti-vibrations handles and vibration-dampening tool attachments can reduce risk.
- Workplace protocols: Maintaining administrative procedures in the workplace, including job rotation, regular breaks and the introduction of alternative working methods, can reduce the risk of vibration overexposure.
- Personal protective clothing (PPE) such as anti-vibration gloves. However, it is worth noting that there is little empirical evidence to support PPE’s effectiveness in prevention.
- Consulting a HAVS calculator: Also known as a hand-arm vibration exposure calculator, this is an online tool that helps you estimate your vibration risk over the course of a typical 8-hour work day.
- Employee health surveillance: Employers can screen for HAVS through a company risk policy, which may include screening through a questionnaire together with carrying out an occupational health HAVS assessment.
What happens during a HAVS assessment?
Clinicians evaluate an individual’s risk of the syndrome by monitoring vibration exposure and checking for signs and symptoms. Employers must provide regular assessments to protect staff, in line with legal guidelines.
There are five tiers of HAVS assessment. We offer Tiers 1, 2, 3 and 4 at our clinics.
- Tier 1: A questionnaire completed by job applicants or new employees who are working with hand vibration tools for the first time.
- Tier 2: An annual questionnaire for employees who continue to use vibration tools.
- Tier 3: A Occupational Health Nurse conducts a detailed assessment of occupational, social and medical history followed by a physical examination to assess for vascular and sensory symptoms. Other causes will be considered including carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome.
- Tier 4 A further detailed history and medical assessment followed by a physical exam, conducted by an Occupation Health Doctor.
During a HAVS Tier 4 assessment, the clinician will advise the individual on how to reduce their risks. They follow up with a report and recommendations to the employer on best working practices. If applicable, clinicians will detect early signs of HAVS – and suggest measures to prevent a condition progressing before it is too late.
Protect your employees from HAVS
Employers have a legal obligation to protect employees from exposure to hand-arm vibration syndrome. The cost of managing HAVS risk far outweighs the financial and human cost of putting your employees at risk.
Our assessments are competitively-priced, at £150 for a HAVS Tier 3 and £280 for a HAVS Tier 4. To book in a consultation, or to find out more, contact our team at Connexus Occupational Health today.
This article was reviewed by Christine Cusack, nurse and occupational health advisor at Connexus Occupational Health.
