A health board has recently faced a £160,000 fine after three employees developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) at work.
Employees of Powys Teaching Health Board had to regularly use handheld power tools such as lawn mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters, despite a risk assessment not being carried out.
This lead to an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who declared that the health board had not adequately measured the levels of vibration exposure to its staff.
As well as this, it was also found that there was not enough information and training offered to staff, and that the health board had disregarded calls from its own occupational health department to carry out a risk assessment.
What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
HAVS affects the feeling of the fingers which can result in lasting numbness, muscle weakness and attacks of white finger.
The condition is caused by long term exposure to vibration which leads to damage to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers.
This damage is typically minor, but due to how often it recurs, it intensifies the effects.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- Loss of feeling and/or pins and needles in one or more fingers.
- Clumsiness and trouble carrying out certain tasks. For example, those affected may struggle to fasten buttons or to handle coins, screws, nails, etc.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon, when the fingers turn white, then blue, then red.
- Aches and pains in the hands and lower arm.
What do workplaces need to do?
Keeping on top of health and safety at all times is vital.
Employers must regularly monitor, assess and train employees if they are to operate handheld power tools for long periods of time. This is a legal requirement.
How can we help you?
Failure to put the correct health and safety procedures in place may lead to prosecution. In these instances, seeking legal advice is crucial.
Jeremy Sirrell, a Director at Palmers and a Health and Safety advisor, has a wide experience of the criminal justice system, including representation in health and safety prosecutions.
If you are facing prosecution, Jeremy’s proven expertise means he can advise and deal with these matters effectively.
For help and guidance on all aspects of Health and Safety Law, including prosecutions, please contact our expert team today.