Dangers of Vibration at Work
22 September 2023
Use of plant and equipment that produces vibration is often not considered as a serious risk and dangers of vibration at work are often overlooked.
Vibration is the transmission of force from work processes into the worker. The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) defines vibrations as ‘rapid movement to and fro or oscillating movement‘.
Examples of Vibration at Work
People in the course of their work life may be exposed to many sources of vibration. Dangers of vibration at work are more often overlooked than not. Some vibration affects the whole body (WBV), e.g. when driving a dumper truck over rough and even ground. Here the vibration, in the form of large shocks or jolts, is transmitted to the whole body via their feet or the seat. This could cause injury to the lower back and spine.
The most common problem is Hand Arm Vibration (HAV). HAV is caused by exposure to vibration, e.g. from using hand power tools. This can be very disabling, causing severe pain in hands and arms and lack of hand movement and feeling in the fingers. It is preventable but permanent once the damage is done.
Dangers of Vibration at Work – HAV Symptoms
The most common HAV symptoms to look for are:
- Tingling in the fingers.
- Loss of feeling and sensation in the fingers.
- Reduced strength in the hand.
- Fingers that go white in the cold and then red and painful on recovery.
Dangers of Vibration at Work – HAV Controls
Dangers of vibration at work, i.e. risk from vibrating tools or machines can be minimised by:
- Introducing methods that eliminate, substitute or reduce the exposure to vibration.
- Avoiding prolonged or frequent use of vibrating equipment.
- Keeping cutting tools sharp so they remain efficient.
- Making sure equipment is well maintained.
- Avoiding forcing or gripping the tool more than is necessary.
- Wearing gloves to protect the hands.
- Exercising and massaging the fingers during breaks to restore circulation.
Health surveillance is crucial to spot and respond to early signs of damage.
Dangers of Vibration at Work – Further Reading
Chapter 2 of Part 5 and Schedule 6 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) as amended by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amended) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 732 of 2007) sets down the minimum requirements for the protection of workers from the health risks associated with vibration in the workplace. This is a legislation that looks into dangers of vibration at work.
The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) on their webpage Vibration at Work provide relevant to vibration at work information.
Online Health and Safety Training
Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.
Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.
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