The HSE investigation found a large number of the company\u2019s employees were exposed to vibration in their day to day work.<\/p>\n
These included bricklayers, joiners, electricians and plasterers who made extensive use of power tools, ranging from drills and impact drivers to vibrating plates and road breakers, over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n
Despite this, and the dangers exposure can cause, the company had not properly assessed or controlled worker\u2019s exposure to vibration.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nProlonged and regular exposure to vibration can affect a worker\u2019s health resulting in disorders of the nerves, blood supply, joints and muscles of the hands and arms. These disorders are collectively known as HAVS and symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness and loss of strength.\u00a0 HAVS can make everyday tasks such as fastening buttons or holding utensils difficult or impossible.<\/p>\n
The HSE found that the company had not undertaken a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks posed by vibration. Control measures, such as removing the need to use vibrating tools, using lower vibration alternatives, or limiting exposure times, had not been properly implemented.<\/p>\n
Tool maintenance and health surveillance arrangements were inadequate, and employees had not received sufficient training on the risks that they faced.<\/p>\n
Nottingham City Homes Limited pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined \u00a332,000 and ordered to pay \u00a36,226 in costs at Nottingham Magistrates\u2019 Court this week.<\/p>\n
HSE inspector Tim Nicholson said: \u201cNottingham City Homes Limited exposed its employees to vibration through the use of power tools for a long period of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company failed to properly manage this risk which led to employees suffering ill-health – the effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and, once damage is done, it is irreversible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is extensive guidance available that is straightforward to follow and includes calculation tools to assist in deciding what is needed to protect employees.”<\/p>\n
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