Policy on the Control of Hand Arm Vibration at Work

Implementation of health surveillance

Health surveillance is a requirement under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005) for all employees who are exposed above a certain level, known as the Exposure Action Value (EAV). It is also required for employees who are exposed to lower levels of vibration than the EAV but are known to be at an increased risk of vibration related health problems (e.g. because they have certain pre-existing health conditions). Health surveillance is aimed at identifying employees with particular health problems which can be associated with vibration, namely Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (formerly known as Vibration White Finger) and Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

Introduction of health surveillance at the university has focussed on Facilities Management, as they have the most staff exposed or potentially exposed to moderately high levels of vibration at work. They are also well advanced in risk assessment, and it is important that health surveillance is carried out when risk assessment identifies the need for it rather than on an ad hoc basis.

Initial assessment has been carried out for all FM staff who are exposed to vibration, even if this is at relatively low levels, in order to identify staff who may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of vibration. Initial assessment will also be carried out for all new employees whose job requires use of vibrating tools.

Health surveillance will be repeated annually for the following:-

· Those who have been identified as having a vibration related health condition

· Those who have been identified as being at an increased risk of a vibration related health condition

· Those who are exposed to vibration close to or above the Exposure Action Value (this is likely to apply mostly to Grounds and Gardens staff and a small number of maintenance staff such as some joiners).

Health assessment of FM maintenance staff is almost complete; to date:-

65 staff have been assessed (mostly by an initial questionnaire)

22 of these have been seen face to face by the OH adviser

16 of these have been seen by the OH physician.

As a result, 7 cases of vibration related ill health have been reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR (4 in 2008, 3 prior to this).

In all cases, the health condition identified is believed to relate to vibration exposure prior to employment at Loughborough University, as this generally significantly exceeds current exposure. Current exposures, particularly for electricians and plumber/fitters are very low. In addition, cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are reportable if the condition is found in an individual who works with vibrating tools; however, it is difficult to prove causation, as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition which occurs in 1-3 % of the general population, regardless of vibration exposure.

Training on the risks from vibrating tools and on the measures needed to control these risks has been given to FM employees and supervisors/managers by the FM Health and Safety Manager.0000000

The next stage of implementation will be to support risk assessment for vibration hazards in imago and in academic departments. Any necessary training and health surveillance can then be carried out where a need is identified by this process.

Wendy Jones

Occupational Health Adviser

February 2009