Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome review [UK]

A critical review of hand-arm vibration syndrome and the impact of exposure to vibration has been published by HSE.

The report, entitled RR1060, provides a review of the relationship between hand-transmitted vibration and the vascular, neurosensory and musculoskeletal components of the corresponding medical condition, hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

The HSE report finds a lack of evidence to suggest a definite link between exposure to vibration and vascular or neurosensory HAVS. It does, however, suggest that vascular HAVS could be reversed once an individual is no longer exposed to vibration but that this would not be the case for neurosensory HAVS, which appears to be irreversible.

Due to a lack of quantitative evidence, the study was not able to determine a ‘safe’ level exposure to vibration which would not cause adverse health effects.

For full details please refer to the report.

Red-on-line EHS Legalist

Sources:

RR1060 ‘A critical review of evidence related to hand-arm vibration syndrome and the extent of exposure to vibration’ was published by the HSE on their website on 17th August 2015.

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