Vibration Assessments | Occupational Health Services Ltd

Why do I need a hand arm vibration assessment?

Employees whose hands are regularly exposed to vibration (such as through hand-held power tools or hand-fed machinery) may suffer from damage to the tissues of the hands and arms, which causes symptoms collectively known as HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a disorder of the hand and arm which may involve tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in parts of the hand - can also be caused by exposure to vibration. By early detection, these conditions can be treated before they deteriorate. Industries most affected are grounds maintenance workers, wood workers and forestry, building and construction workers and heavy engineering.

Where there is vibration at work, there is a legal duty under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 to perform a vibration risk assessment and perform health surveillance for employees exposed to vibration above a certain level. As part of a health surveillance programme, vibration assessments can help reduce risks, prevent disease and help identify if your control measures are working properly.

If your employees work with vibration, we recommend that health surveillance is carried out on all employees as they start working for your company. This will allow us to identify any existing problems, identify any individuals who are particularly at risk, and provide advice to reduce that risk. We can advise on the most appropriate frequency of ongoing surveillance depending on the risks of the work performed by your employees.

What happens at a vibration assessment?

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which asks about relevant symptoms. The questionnaire is usually completed annually. If you have a condition that could be made worse by your work with vibration, or experience any symptoms that could be caused by vibration, you will be referred for more in-depth testing. This involves a more thorough discussion, including some basic physical tests (such as blood pressure) and some functional testing (such as testing your ability to feel sensations on your skin or ability to pick up small objects). You will be provided with information on the risks, preventative measures and types of symptoms that may indicate a problem in the future.

Our team can help you implement a hand arm vibration surveillance programme to keep your employees safe and meet your legal obligations.

Testimonials

I’ve known Debbie ever since I started my business over eight years ago. Whenever I’ve needed occupational health support, Debbie is right there for me. She has never let me down and everything she has done for me has been of the highest quality. Her professionalism and understanding of the subject is second to none and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending her services to anyone that needs an occupational health service.

Stuart Falconer, HR Consultant, Morgan Thomson HR

I have worked with Debbie on a number of occasions and she has become my ‘go to’ occupational health advisor. She is both professional and pragmatic, builds a great rapport with employees and employers alike and produces reports in quick time. Quite simply, the best OH advisor I have worked with.

Jon Phillips, HR Consultant, Calium HR

SA Law has enlisted the expert assistance of Debbie Holder for occupational health support over a number of years on behalf of numerous clients. We have always found her to be approachable and helpful in what can often be very difficult circumstances for our clients. Her advice is timely, comprehensive and comes at a very reasonable fee when compared with a number of other occupational health providers. We would have no hesitation in recommending her services to others.

Chris Cook, Partner, Head of Employment and Data Protection, SA Law

Debbie is our trusted advisor for OH matters and we regularly refer our clients to her. Debbie’s approach means her advice and reporting is always clear and concise and has really helped our clients navigate some tricky situations. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Debbie and Occupational Health Services.

Chris Miles, Assistant Manager, People Solutions, Menzies LLP

I have used Occupational Health Services for a range of employee health matters. I find the service very responsive, flexible, medically sound and professional taking into consideration both the employees’ and employers’ situation. The reports are detailed to a high standard to allow the business to review possible support and the next steps with the employee and Occupational Health Services will always advise if a further assessment may be needed.

Leanne Taylor, HR Consultant, Beststart HR

After working with a variety of occupational health providers over the years, I have never worked so closely with a provider who genuinely cares about our colleagues but also about our business. Occupational Health Services Ltd understand our business and spend time to understand our colleagues too. They are always at the end of a phone to give advice, support and give confidence to colleagues working with them for the best outcomes for all.

Linsay Baverstock, People Partner, Settle Group

Debbie has been assisting us with all of our OH needs since 2015 and I can honestly say nothing is too much trouble, quick turnaround if needed, with excellent professional assessments and advice given. Would recommend.

Michelle Bolino, Head of HR, Selectaglaze Ltd, St Albans

Occupational Health Services Ltd has greatly assisted many of my clients and their staff in assessing health issues and providing helpful guidance on road maps to improved health and attendance.

Philip Delafield, HR Consultant, Delafield Consulting ltd

We have worked with Occupational Health Services Ltd for eight years now and the service Debbie has provided has been excellent. She always responds to us within a few hours and is very accommodating to our needs. We feel really confident that our employees will have a positive experience with Debbie, even at a time when perhaps they are not positive themselves. As an employer with a relatively lean head count, we do not feel compromised or exposed with the advice Debbie provides to employees, and instead, take real benefit about how best to return employees to full health in the workplace. Would highly recommend.

Pete Howitt, HR Director, ADR Network