Training may be required to reduce power tool vibrations
Construction employees may require training in how to reduce the effect of hand-arm vibration (HAV) from power tools.
There are several diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by regular exposure to HAV and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced guidance on how this risk can be reduced.
HAV is covered by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, under which training may be required in order to ensure that low vibration exposures are achieved and sustained by workers.
Such training could involve instructing operators in the use of vibration reduction features, alerting them to situations that may produce unusually high vibration emissions, providing information about particular techniques that can help reduce vibration and tips on how to best maintain such equipment.
Employers also have a duty to monitor their employees' heath.
"Identifying signs and symptoms at an early stage is important. It will allow you, as the employer, to take action to prevent the health effects from becoming serious for your employee," the HSE says.
© Adfero Ltd
Monday 20 February 2012
