Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Assessment (HAVS Medical)

Description

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Vital Medicals is committed to ensuring the safety of employees who use vibrating hand tools and are at risk of developing HAVS. As an employer, if your employees work with vibrating tool or machinery, you would have a duty under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations to conduct regular risk assessments for your staff.

These regulations mandate employers to minimise health and safety risks from workplace vibration exposure. Here’s a simplified breakdown of an employer’s responsibilities:

Employer’s Duties According to HSE

As an employer, you have specific legal duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations:

• • Assess the vibration risk to your employees.
  • Take action to reduce vibration exposure that produces risks.
  • Decide if employees are likely to be exposed above the:
    • Daily exposure action value (EAV): Introduce controls to eliminate or reduce risk.
    • Daily exposure limit value (ELV): Take immediate action to reduce exposure below the limit value.
  • Ensure legal limits on vibration exposure are not exceeded.
  • Provide information and training to employees on health risks and control measures.
  • Carry out health surveillance (regular health checks) where there is a risk to health.
  • Keep records of risk assessments and control actions.
  • Maintain health records for employees under health surveillance.
  • Regularly review and update your risk assessment.

Who Can Conduct the HAVS Medical

A HAVS assessment (Tier 4) can only be performed by a fully qualified and independent GMC registered doctor with an additional qualification in Occupational Medicine and HAVS. At Vital Medicals we have multiple doctors who are able to meet your needs with a quick turn around time.

What Does the HAVS Assessment Involve?

There are several Tiers of HAVS surveillance:

Tier 1 – Initial Questionnaire: This first step collects information about an employee’s past employment, any existing health conditions related to vibration exposure, or any factors that may increase susceptibility to HAVS.

Tier 2 – Yearly Screening: This is a yearly questionnaire-based assessment designed to monitor any changes from the initial questionnaire and to identify individuals who may need to be referred to Tier 3 for a HAVS health check.

Tier 3 – Examination by Qualified Individual: A qualified individual, typically an HAVS qualified and approved Occupational Health Nurse, carries out this health check. It can consist of several elements to assess whether the information provided by the employee in their Tier 1 or 2 questionnaire if accurate, and if this is, they will arrange for a doctor for a Tier 4 assessment.

Tier 4 – Official Diagnosis: This involves a referral for an official diagnosis of HAVS by a doctor who has the specialised training needed to perform HAVS medicals. The doctor provides a written diagnosis with a description of symptoms and advice on future exposure. At this stage multiple sets of specialist equipment are used to help inform the diagnosis and future plans.

Tier 5 – Specialised Testing: This involves specialised testing to confirm symptoms in support of a HAVS diagnosis. Most cases stop at Tier 4. This Tier is usually only required in extreme circumstances and where there is a significant dispute in the findings.

How Often Should the Examinations Be Performed?

HAVS surveillance needs to be carried out at least every year. Once an employee is under the care of a doctor for a Tier 4 assessment, they may require an assessment more frequently, however this if decided in each individual assessment and the recommendation made to both the employee and employer.

At Vital Medicals you can be assured of a top quality service. We have multiple doctors experienced in HAVS assessments with all the specialist equipment and knowledge required to provide you with the vital information you need to keep your employees healthy and in work.