Carpel tunnel syndrome and hand arm vibration syndrome – companies fined

Two Derbyshire-based construction firms were fined for safety breaches as a result of separate investigations into reported cases of carpel tunnel syndrome and hand arm vibration syndrome to employees.

Employees at Sandvik Mining and Construction Limited and Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners Limited were regularly exposed to hand arm vibration through the use of a range of vibratory tools in the assembly and servicing of crushers and screeners.

Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the activities of both companies found that they failed to adequately manage the risk to employees from exposure to vibration, including failing to carry out suitable and sufficient assessments for the risk from vibration, and had not made reasonable estimates of employees’ exposure.

Sandvik Mining and Construction Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246.

Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £280,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246.

Recommendations for preventing exposure to vibrations hazards

• Ensure a bespoke occupational risk assessment is recorded and suitable occupational monitoring is put in place to assess exposure of workers to hand arm vibration risks

The HSE recommends the tiered system as follows:

• Tier 1 is a short questionnaire used as a first check for people moving into jobs involving exposure to vibration 

The results may help the doctor assess fitness for work.

Further information on HAVS can be found on the HSE website. 

Doyle Clayton can support your business with providing health and safety advice and support. Please contact Sally Beck for further information.