Hand-Arm Vibration in Construction: What You Need to Know
Construction sites are full of powerful tools, including breakers and drills, grinders and compactors. They’re essential for getting the job done, but they also come with risks. One of the most common and often overlooked is hand-arm vibration (HAV).
At Glendining Signs, we supply signage across the UK to the construction industry and we believe it’s important to raise awareness of HAV and share practical guidance. We supply signage to the construction industry that helps companies raise awareness, meet regulations and protect their people.
What is Hand-Arm Vibration?
Hand-arm vibration is the transfer of vibrations from tools and machinery into the hands and arms. Over time, repeated exposure can cause long-term health issues such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which leads to tingling, numbness and reduced grip strength. Workers may also develop Vibration White Finger (VWF), where fingers turn white in cold weather and can become painful, or suffer from general joint and muscle problems such as stiffness and reduced movement.
These conditions are often irreversible, which is why HAV is treated as a serious health and safety issue in construction. Despite awareness campaigns, cases are still being reported every year, showing that HAV remains a live issue across the construction sector.
- In 2023, there were 215 new cases of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) reported in Great Britain under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) scheme.
- Over two million workers in the UK are estimated to be at risk of developing a HAV-related condition due to the tools they use.
- Even moderate-vibration tools can push workers past safe limits when used alongside other tools during a shift
Why does HAV matter in construction?
HAV exposure is particularly common in construction because so many tools carry high vibration levels. Breakers, jackhammers, hammer drills, impact drivers, grinders, compactors and wacker plates are some of the biggest culprits. Sanders and polishers also contribute significantly. On a busy site, it’s not unusual for workers to handle several of these tools during one shift, which means exposure builds quickly and the risks multiply.
What are the legal duties around HAV?
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers have clear responsibilities. They must assess risks and keep records, take steps to reduce exposure as far as reasonably practicable, provide training and information and ensure that health surveillance is offered to workers who are at risk.
The law also sets exposure thresholds. The Exposure Action Value (EAV) is 2.5 m/s² A(8); once this is reached, employers must take action to control risks. The Exposure Limit Value (ELV) is 5.0 m/s² A(8), the maximum daily limit that must not be exceeded. Employers can use the HSE HAV calculator to help assess and monitor exposure.
How can you control HAV risks on a construction site?
Here are some practical steps construction firms can take:
- Choose low-vibration tools whenever possible.
- Maintain equipment: blunt or damaged tools vibrate more.
- Rotate tasks so workers don’t spend too long on high-vibration tools.
- Encourage regular breaks to give hands and arms a rest.
- Train workers to recognise early symptoms of HAVS.
- Provide warm clothing and gloves to help manage symptoms in cold weather.
- Use clear signage to remind workers of HAV risks and safe tool-use times.
Spotting HAV Symptoms Early
The earlier symptoms are identified, the better the chances of preventing permanent damage. Workers should look out for tingling or numbness in the fingers, reduced grip strength, fingers turning white in cold conditions, and pain in the wrists, elbows or forearms. Reporting these signs promptly allows employers to act, provide health surveillance and protect workers from long-term harm.
How Signage Helps Protect From HAV
Protecting workers from HAV isn’t just about tools and work schedules. It’s also about awareness. Construction sites are busy and workers often need reminders at the point of risk. That’s where safety signage comes in. At Glendining Signs, we supply a wide range of signs to support HAV risk management, including:
- Safety Posters: Placed in welfare areas, site offices and workshops, posters remind workers of the risks, symptoms and safe practices around HAV.
- Warning Labels: Applied to tools or tool storage areas, these labels highlight vibration risks, encouraging workers to use equipment correctly and within safe limits.
- HAV Tags: Attached directly to vibrating tools, tags display vibration levels and safe exposure times. This helps supervisors and operatives track tool use and avoid exceeding legal exposure values.
These visual prompts help reinforce training and ensure HAV control measures aren’t forgotten in the middle of a busy shift.
Keeping Construction Workers Safe from HAV
HAV is one of the most serious long-term health risks in construction, but it’s also one of the most preventable. With the right tools, training, work planning and clear signage, companies can protect their teams and meet their legal duties.
At Glendining Signs, we’re proud to support the construction industry with signage that helps raise awareness and keep workers safe. Explore our full range of health and safety signs to find solutions for HAV risk management and more.