A recent court ruling has once again spotlighted the dangers of prolonged exposure to vibrating tools in the workplace; this time costing a West Midlands chemical manufacturer £100,000 in fines.
The Case at a Glance
Robinson Brothers Ltd, based in West Bromwich, was prosecuted after nine employees were diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a preventable but irreversible condition caused by extended use of vibrating equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation following these reports, uncovering a 14-year pattern of inadequate risk management.
The Failures
Despite workers regularly using tools like grinders and road breakers for maintenance and civil engineering tasks, the company had:
- Failed to carry out a meaningful vibration risk assessment.
- Not introduced safer alternatives or limited tool usage time.
- Skipped essential health surveillance checks.
- Provided no training on the risks of vibration exposure.
The court heard that these oversights left employees vulnerable to a condition that can severely impact grip strength, dexterity, and quality of life.
Understanding HAVS
HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, and joints in the hands and arms. Symptoms range from tingling and numbness to chronic pain and loss of strength; making everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding a fork difficult or impossible.
The Legal Outcome
The company admitted to breaching several sections of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Birmingham Magistrates’ Court imposed a £100,000 fine and £6,761.40 in costs.
HSE’s Message
HSE inspector Claire Coleman said:
“The effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and once damage is done, it is irreversible. The effects can make it difficult or impossible to do things like hold a pen, fasten buttons or use a knife and fork.
It cannot be underestimated how important it is that employers take the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees should they need to use vibrating hand tools.
The available guidance is extensive and straightforward to follow and includes tools to assist in deciding what is needed to protect employees. HSE will not hesitate to act against companies which do not do all that they should to keep employees safe.”
What This Means for You
This case serves as a reminder that vibration risks are not just a compliance issue—they’re a matter of long-term employee health. Employers should:
- Review and update vibration risk assessments.
- Invest in lower-vibration tools and limit exposure durations.
- Implement regular health checks and training programmes.
