All workers who use hand-held vibrating equipment are at risk of developing HAVS (although some people may be more at risk due to existing medical conditions or genetic factors) as prolonged exposure to vibration can cause serious medical conditions.
Early symptoms of HAVS include:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers;
- Not being able to feel things properly;
- Loss of strength in the hands;
- Fingers going white (blanching) and becoming red and painful on recovery (particularly in the cold and wet, and probably only in the tips at first).
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 aim to protect workers from the health risk from vibration and one way to protect your workers is by providing HAVS assessments.
Compass are able to provide the following HAVS assessments, which are undertaken by trained and competent Occupational Health Professionals.:
Tier 1 – Health questionnaire. The responses to this will indicate whether an employee needs to be referred to Tier 3 or 4 for a HAVS health assessment.
Tier 2 – Annual health questionnaire for employees who are exposed to vibration, checking to see whether they need to be referred to Tier 3 or 4 for a HAVS health assessment.
Tier 3 – Face to face assessment where the report is provided to the employer at the end of the assessment. If the results show that an employee has symptoms that are indicative of HAVS then they’re required to be referred to Tier 4.
Tier 4 –Occupational Health Physician delivers the diagnosis of HAVS and the requirements to manage this.
Tier 5 – Involves an investigation into the original cause of HAVS.
We would start with a Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments and then any employees with signs or symptoms of HAVS would be referred for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 assessment.
Depending on the results of the HAVS assessment, a further assessment may be needed. If there is no signs or symptoms of HAVS a Tier 2 assessment should be carried out annually.
If you would like more information on HAVS assessments, get in touch with us today by emailing info@compass-ms.co.uk or calling 0333 3580340.
