Tier 1 is the initial questionnaire completed before or shortly after a worker starts vibration-exposed work, establishing a baseline of symptoms and medical history. Tier 2 repeats a shorter version of that questionnaire at least annually, checking for new or worsening symptoms in workers already under surveillance.
Both tiers are non-clinical: HSE guidance describes them as suitable for completion by a trained responsible person rather than a doctor or nurse, provided the responses are reviewed by someone competent to recognise when escalation to Tier 3 is needed. That keeps routine annual surveillance proportionate for a workforce with well-controlled exposure.
Who this is for
- Employers running annual surveillance for an established vibration-exposed workforce
- Employers setting a baseline for new starters before they begin vibration work
- Workforces with generally well-controlled exposure and no reported symptoms to date
What's included
A structured symptom and medical history questionnaire — Tier 1 baseline for new starters, or Tier 2 annual review for workers already under surveillance — assessed against your workforce's exposure information. Where a response indicates new or worsening symptoms, that individual is escalated to Tier 3 rather than signed off on the questionnaire alone. A written record is issued for your employer health record after every round.