HAVS - it’s in your hands

At least 5 million workers in the UK are believed to be exposed to ‘dangerous’ levels of ­vibration, and with Vibration White ­Finger the most commonly recorded disease ­under RIDDOR it is time to take the issue seriously.

Where employees are likely to be ­exposed above the daily exposure ­action ­value (EAV), it is a requirement to both ­introduce controls limiting risk, and put in place a programme of health ­surveillance. HAVS surveillance works on a five tier system, where the purpose of the ­early tiers (1 and 2) is to monitor at-risk employees, in order to refer them for higher tier ­assessments when any ­concerns are raised. There are various ways in which a ­surveillance ­programme can be implemented or ­managed. The entire process can be ­handled by an occupational health ­company, who will evaluate the Tier 1 & 2 questionnaires, organise referrals for later tiers, and store all records.

Some companies, especially bigger ­companies with large numbers of ‘at-risk’ staff, may choose to manage the early tiers in-house. A member of the HR / Health and Safety department can be trained as a ­‘Responsible Person’. The Responsible ­Person for HAVS course is ­primarily ­concerned with teaching attendees to ­understand the Tier 1 and 2 forms and identify anyone who needs referral for Tier 3 & 4 ­assessment. Alongside this central element the course looks at the general role of occupational health and wellness.

There are various benefits to having a ­responsible person trained. If you choose to manage early stages ‘in-house’ only employees

who require more complex investigation will need to be referred to your occupational health provider. It is also a good opportunity to

learn about the theory relating to hand arm vibration syndrome, and understand why the HSE is taking the condition so seriously.

The Express Medicals “Responsible Person for HAVS Course” runs at the London Medical Centre. Please enquire regarding upcoming course dates

RESPONSIBLE PERSON HAVS COURSE! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

HAVS Surveillance Explained

Tier 1: Pre-employment Assessment or Tier 2:  Annual screening

This basic level of surveillance involves the completion of a simple one page questionnaire, on a pre-employment or annual

basis dependant on vibration exposure. Tier 3 & 4 surveillance may be recommended based on the outcome of this short

questionnaire.

3 yearly HAVS consultation

The HSE recommends that after three years of reporting no symptoms at tiers 1 & 2 the employee should be referred for a

consultation with a qualified person to provide an opportunity to more fully explore any possible symptoms that the

individual may have ­experienced without appreciating their full significance.

Combined Tier 3 & 4: Clinical assessment followed by formal diagnosis

Tier 3 involves a detailed questionnaire & examination of the hands by a specially trained nurse. The nurse will assist with

the completion of the questionnaire by explaining the relevance and meaning of particular questions. The questionnaire

and medical results are then reviewed by a doctor (Tier 4). A formal diagnosis is made by an occupational physician.

Level 4 HAVS surveillance focuses on fitness to work issues and incorporates a Stockholm Grading.

Tier 5 – Optional Standardised Tests

This is the most in-depth level of assessment and includes extra laboratory based tests (Sensorineural + / - Vascular tests).

tier 5 testing will particularly relevant for:

a.  Young people in whom there is rapid progression.

b.  In cases where it is difficult to decide if an individual should / should not continue to be exposed to any vibration.

Further Reading

HAVS
113k - CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

WHAT IS HAVS/VWF?
226k - CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

t:   020 7394 1788      e:   info@expressmedicals.co.uk