Health surveillance for hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is required under regulation 7 of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 for employees who are regularly exposed to vibration at or above the Exposure Action Value (2.5 m/sĀ² A(8)), occasionally exposed above the EAV where a risk assessment shows a risk, or already diagnosed with HAVS or vibration white finger, even if their current exposure has since fallen below the EAV.
Surveillance is not a one-off check. HSE guidance sets out a tiered approach, from an initial and annual questionnaire through to clinical assessment and, where indicated, formal diagnosis by a doctor. We carry out the tier your workforce actually needs, escalating on symptoms rather than defaulting everyone to the most intensive level.
Who this is for
- Employers with employees who use vibrating tools regularly, or occasionally above the Exposure Action Value
- Employers continuing surveillance for a worker previously diagnosed with HAVS or vibration white finger
- Health & safety or occupational health managers setting up or reviewing a surveillance programme
- Employers not yet sure which tier their workforce needs ā we help establish this from your risk assessment and exposure history
What's included
The examination matches the level of surveillance your workforce needs: a symptom questionnaire for Tier 1ā2, or a hands-on clinical assessment with a qualified occupational health professional for Tier 3, with formal diagnosis and staging by a doctor at Tier 4 where the questionnaire or clinical assessment indicates it. Every round ends with a written outcome for your employer health record and, where relevant, an opinion on continuing fitness for vibration-exposed work.