With the news that a Civil Engineering company has been fined £40,000 after multiple employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), construction companies are evaluating their current processes. They aim to ensure their on-site teams remain compliant with health and safety regulations.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a debilitating condition caused by excessive exposure to vibrating tools. The risk of developing this condition is directly linked to the amount of time spent using vibrating tools. Furthermore, the severity can be worsened by extended use of these tools.
Who is at risk?
Any job involving the frequent use of vibrating tools is at risk of developing HAVS, and some of these tools include:
• Grinders
• Impact drills
• Scaling hammers
• Powered hammers (typically for demolition)
• Sanders and polishers
• Hand-held saws (for concrete and metal, etc)
If your teams are frequently using any of these tools or similar, it’s important you monitor usage. This helps to ensure you stay within legal regulations.
The Law
The regulations surrounding HAVS are highlighted in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations issued in 2005.
These regulations require you to make sure that risks from vibration are controlled. This involves monitoring the usage of vibrating tools, ensuring it does not exceed the exposure limit level (ELV).
One way companies can do this is by filling out Hand Arm Vibration logs. These logs can include information about which tools employees have been using and for how long. This can help ensure they are not exceeding the exposure limit level.
Our Mobile Forms module allows construction companies to digitise all their on-site paperwork and forms. They can be filled out using smartphones and tablets. The completed forms are then stored directly within the Evolution Mx system. This means no more lost paperwork.
Construction companies can create and complete Hand Arm Vibration logs. This allows you to monitor the risk to your employees. Thus, you can avoid breaching regulations and being dealt a hefty fine.
By completing these forms on site, you increase the accuracy of the captured information. Forms can even be completed offline if an Internet connection is not available. By monitoring your teams’ usage of these tools, it reduces their risk of developing HAVS. It also ensures your compliance as a company and helps avoid potential health and safety breaches.
To find out more about the regulations surrounding Hand Arm Vibration check out this guide: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg175.pdf
Summary
With so many fatalities occurring in the construction industry every year, it’s vital you ensure you’re abiding by all health and safety regulations. This will help you look after your on-site teams and minimise the risk of injuries, including HAVS.
Book your demonstration today to see how you can easily fill out accident forms, risk assessments and Hand Arm Vibration logs using our construction-specific Evolution Mx app.
