Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is a serious industrial disease affecting the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. Most commonly known as Vibration White Finger (VWF), it is caused by regular use of vibrating hand-held tools and equipment.

Symptoms include:
Tingling, numbness, or whiteness in the fingers; colour changes in cold conditions; loss of grip strength and manual dexterity; carpal tunnel syndrome; and pain or stiffness in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. In severe cases, attacks can occur in warm conditions and disrupt sleep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone who regularly uses vibrating tools — including those working in construction, engineering, forestry, mining, metalworking, and public utilities. Any tool that causes tingling or numbness within 5–10 minutes of use should be considered a risk.

Your legal obligations
Under current legislation (Directive 2002/44/EC), employers must take action when daily vibration exposure reaches 2.5m/s² (EAV), with a maximum limit of 5m/s² (ELV). Employers are required to measure and monitor exposure, provide workforce training, and have effective HAVS management systems in place.

How we can help
We offer onsite testing and assessment of tools and equipment, and can implement a tailored HAVS Management System to keep your workforce safe and your business fully compliant.

Whole Body Vibration is an industrial health problem caused by vibrations passing through the body via vehicles and machinery. It particularly affects those in construction, agriculture, forestry, and transport, and is associated with lower back pain, spinal disorders, and in some cases neck and shoulder problems.

Causes and risk factors
WBV typically occurs when operating vehicles over rough terrain, using excavation or loading machinery, or working with large compaction and hammering equipment. It also affects helicopter pilots, boat operators, and railway workers. Back pain risk increases further when WBV is combined with poor posture, prolonged sitting, awkward cab controls, heavy manual handling, or repeatedly climbing in and out of high-access vehicles.

Who is at risk?
Operators of forklifts, tractors, excavators, road rollers, off-road vehicles, heavy construction plant, quarrying machinery, helicopters, fast boats, and large static compaction or hammering machines. Any regular, prolonged use of high-vibration vehicles — particularly those producing frequent shocks or jolts — should be considered a risk.

Your legal obligations
Under Directive 2002/44/EC, employers must take action when daily WBV exposure reaches 0.5m/s², with a maximum limit of 1.15m/s². Effective WBV Management Systems must be in place, and workers must be informed of the risks and how to reduce their exposure.

How we can help
We carry out complete assessments and testing of your vehicles under real working conditions, and supply a range of Rebound products proven to effectively reduce Whole Body Vibration levels.

Excessive exposure to loud noise in the workplace can cause permanent, irreversible hearing damage. It is estimated that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus, or other ear conditions as a result of workplace noise exposure. Under the Noise at Work Regulations (introduced April 2006), employers have a legal duty to assess noise levels and implement control measures to protect their workforce.

Effects of excessive noise exposure
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus — a persistent ringing in the ears. Crucially, once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored.

Am I at risk?
A simple indicator: if people need to raise their voice to be heard clearly by someone around 2 metres away, noise levels should be investigated as a matter of urgency.

Guide to common noise levels
Normal conversation: 50–60dB(A) · Loud radio: 65–75dB(A) · Busy street: 78–85dB(A) · Heavy lorry at 7m: 95–100dB(A) · Pig house at feeding time: 110dB(A) · Chainsaw: 115–120dB(A) · Jet aircraft at 25m: 140dB(A)

Your legal obligations
Employers must have noise assessed, with daily personal exposure levels (LEP,d) recorded to determine whether action levels are being exceeded. Key factors in assessing risk are noise levels (measured in dB(A)) and duration of exposure — both daily and over time.

How we can help
We carry out workplace noise assessments and implement tailored noise management systems to reduce and control noise risk, keeping your business compliant and your workforce protected.