Learning lessons on HAVS from health sector fine

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,911 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

After an employee was diagnosed with HAVS, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the Trust failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the use of vibrating tools.

The investigation also found:

• There were no records to show the level of vibration exposure faced by employees.
• The Trust failed to eliminate exposure or reduce it to as low as reasonably practicable.
• Employees had not been provided with suitable and sufficient information, instruction or training about the risks associated with vibration exposure.

The HSE has produced guidance on HAVS for employers, setting out obligations under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and explaining how they can protect employees from the condition.

BALI has also published information and resources on HAVS, including a dedicated risk assessment template for HAVS as well as many other common issues in the landscaping, construction, and maintenance industries.