Uncontrolled exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAVS)
- Safety Flash
- Published on 10 August 2015
- Generated on 8 April 2026
- IMCA SF 11/15
- 2 minute read
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report on the prosecution of a company where there had been uncontrolled exposure to hand-arm transmitted vibration.
What happened?
The company had “reckless disregard for their employees’ health”; HAVS is a serious, permanent condition which frequently has lifelong consequences. For up to 25 staff working in motor vehicle repair workshops, there were no restrictions on the type of hand-held power tools employees used or the length of time they were allowed to operate them.
In the notice, now available on request from the HSE, the Authority noted that the company had no system to replace those tools that were old or worn out, and there was a lack of maintenance, meaning that tools were not running at the optimum level to minimise vibration.
Workers were not provided with any information or instruction on how to minimise the risk from vibration and there was no health surveillance programme to check for early signs of HAVS among the workforce.
Members will be aware that the risks associated with the use of hand-held power tools and of developing HAVS and carpel tunnel syndrome are well recognised in the industry.
IMCA publishes a pocket safety pocket cards, including Hand-arm vibration.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.