Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

HAVS is the collective name given to a group of injuries that can occur to the hands and arms as a result of exposure to vibration. Further details on vibration risks and their control can be found at our sister company’s web site www.vibrationservices.co.uk

We are able to provide evidence based on:

• Our database of over 1000 vibration measurements
• Measurements of vibration in the workplace
• Our experience of advising employers on the control of vibration risks.

Our experts have been involved in the following important judgements with regard to HAVS:

Case Study:
Maxfield and others v ATS North Eastern Ltd

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These were lead cases in a group action for commercial tyre fitters who complained of exposure to vibration from use of impact wrenches when changing commercial vehicle wheels. Ian Glendenning gave evidence in the trial. Important aspects of this unreported first instance judgement are the findings that:

• Action should have been taken by the employer to reduce the exposure despite the exposure being below the HS(G)88 action level of 2.8 m/s² A(8) dominant axis that applied at the time.
  
  
• The employer should not be fixed with a date of knowledge of vibration risks based on the knowledge of its (much larger) parent company.
  

Case study:
Doherty and others v Rugby Joinery

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Mrs Doherty and her colleagues manufactured doors and windows and were exposed to vibration when using nail guns, staple guns, powered screwdrivers and orbital sanders. This was the first judgement that set an employer’s date of knowledge for vibration risks later than the mid 1970’s. Ian Glendenning gave evidence that was relied on by the judge at the trial. The judgement also contains comments concerning actions that should have been taken by the employer.

Other important HAVS judgements:

• Hall & Others v British Gas PLC (hard copy*)
• Gaffney v Travel West Midlands (PDF)
• Brookes v SYPTE (PDF)
• Armstrong & Others v British Coal Corporation (hard copy *)
• Whalley & Others v Montracon (hard copy *)
• Condra v Norcross (hard copy*)
• Allen & Others v British Rail Engineering Ltd (hard copy*)

* hard copies are held by Pragma, please call for further information.

If you would like us to explain how our skills are relevant to your objectives then please use either the contact page or call Ian Glendenning on (01777) 816 506