A recent HSE prosecution has highlighted the very real and devastating impact of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
An NHS Trust was fined £40,000 after several employees developed serious and irreversible hand-arm vibration-related conditions, including HAVS and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The investigation found failures to properly assess vibration risk, monitor exposure levels, control those risks, and provide appropriate information and training.
Behind the fine is something far more important than a financial penalty: the impact on people.
A life changed by vibration exposure
One long-serving employee, Sally Elliott, worked in a plaster-cast department for more than 25 years. She was never warned about the risks associated with the vibrating tools she used daily. She described gradually developing numbness, tingling, weakness and loss of dexterity in her hands. Eventually, she was diagnosed with advanced stage 3 vascular and sensorineural HAVS, a lifelong condition.
She has been unable to continue in her role. Her words are stark:
“Every aspect of daily life is impacted… anything that I need to do with my hands is affected.”
HAVS is not simply a workplace inconvenience. It can end careers, remove independence, and cause permanent damage.
What went wrong?
The HSE investigation found that:
- Risks from vibration exposure were not properly assessed
- Exposure levels were not adequately recorded
- Exposure was not eliminated or reduced as low as reasonably practicable
- Employees were not given sufficient information or training
- Diagnosed cases were not properly reported
This case reinforces a simple truth: vibration risk must be actively managed, not assumed.
The risk from vibration must be actively managed
Why health surveillance matters
Under UK law, employers must assess and control vibration risks and provide suitable health surveillance where there is a risk of HAVS.
Effective surveillance is not a tick-box exercise. It is about early identification of symptoms, before damage becomes irreversible.
That is where a structured, compliant approach is critical.
How HAV Wizard supports employers
HAV Wizard is part of Health Wizard’s suite of surveillance tests to make health tests at work more accessible
Like all Health Wizard at Work tests, we assess subjective and objective results to support longitudinal monitoring and robust data sets.
- In line with HSE guidelines, HAV Wizard uses standardised HAVS questionnaires to form the basis of HAVS surveillance. These structured assessments ensure that early warning signs are identified consistently and accurately.
- We also record Purdue Pegboard results, providing a fast, objective measure of manual dexterity and motor skills, often among the first measurable indicators of developing HAVS.
HAV Wizard combines Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments in one process. Thereafter, referrals to higher tier in-person assessments provide information and support to the employee and their health provider at work. All results are reviewed by our clinical team and assessed against normative data sets to determine a clear surveillance outcome and fitness-for-work recommendation.
Importantly, HAV Wizard:
- Requires no specialist training
- Minimises disruption to operations
- Is cost-effective
- Can be delivered anywhere, at any time of day
- Includes referral to the next HAVS tier, where required
This makes comprehensive surveillance accessible to organisations of all sizes.
Prevention protects people – and organisations
Purdue Pegboard test provides objective data
Cases like this demonstrate that the cost of failing to manage vibration risk is far greater than a fine. It is measured in:
- Lost careers
- Lifelong health conditions
- Legal exposure
- Reputational damage
Early intervention through proper risk assessment, exposure control and structured health surveillance protects both employees and employers. HAVS is preventable. But only if it is taken seriously and the warning signs addressed. If your organisation uses vibrating tools, now is the time to ensure you understand the risk from those tools and that suitable controls, and surveillance are in place and being implemented.
Get in touch to find out more about easy low-cost HAV testing with HAV Wizard.