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Data for Safer Workplaces

Assess Hand-Arm and Body Risks

Prolonged exposure to vibration in the workplace—whether through handheld power tools or heavy machinery—can cause lasting harm to workers. Conditions such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Whole Body Vibration (WBV) effects are well-documented occupational risks that can impact nerves, blood vessels, joints, and the spine. For health and safety professionals, monitoring and managing vibration exposure is essential to preventing injury, reducing long-term health impacts, and meeting regulatory obligations. Accurate assessments help identify high-risk tasks, inform control strategies, and support a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

Know the Health Risks

Understanding the effects of workplace vibration is key to protecting worker health. Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and reduced grip strength—hallmarks of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Whole Body Vibration (WBV), often affecting equipment operators and drivers, is linked to lower back pain and spinal disorders. Identifying these risks early allows for interventions that can prevent long-term damage and improve overall workforce well-being.

Meet Compliance Standards

Health and safety regulations in many regions require employers to monitor and manage vibration exposure. Standards such as ISO 5349 (HAV) and ISO 2631 (WBV) provide detailed guidelines for evaluating vibration risks. Accurate, consistent assessments help ensure compliance with national and international legislation, including EU directives and OSHA recommendations. Staying aligned with these standards not only helps avoid penalties—it demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety.

Build Safer Work Practices

Effective vibration monitoring enables proactive safety planning. By understanding exposure levels across tasks and job roles, health and safety teams can implement targeted controls—like job rotation, equipment maintenance, or modified workflows—to reduce exposure and prevent injury. Informed decisions lead to safer work environments, improved productivity, and greater confidence in safety practices from both workers and management.

Technical

Understanding HAVS and WBV

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Whole Body Vibration (WBV) are preventable conditions that can lead to irreversible health effects when left unmanaged. This session explores the causes, symptoms, and long-term consequences of exposure, helping professionals better identify early warning signs in the workforce. Learn how vibration affects different parts of the body, how exposure levels accumulate over time, and why a strong understanding of these risks is essential for proactive health and safety planning.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

HAVS is a condition caused by repeated exposure to vibration, leading to numbness, tingling, and reduced hand strength. It can become permanent if untreated.

Q. Who is most at risk for vibration exposure?

Workers using power tools or driving machinery—such as in construction, manufacturing, or maintenance—are at highest risk for HAVS and WBV effects.

Q. How is vibration exposure measured?

Vibration exposure is measured using acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²), typically over a daily exposure period for accurate risk assessment.

Q. What standards apply to vibration monitoring?

ISO 5349 applies to hand-arm vibration, while ISO 2631 covers whole body vibration. These standards guide how to measure, interpret, and manage risks.

Q. How often should vibration monitoring be done?

Frequency depends on task risk level, tool usage, and past results. High-risk tasks may require annual or more frequent checks to track exposure trends.