NHS Trust Fined After Failure to Manage Hand Arm Vibration Risks

Brief Summary

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was fined £40000 after multiple employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and related conditions. The case highlights failures to assess vibration exposure, to control risk, to provide employees with information and training, and to report occupational disease diagnoses.

What Was The Incident?

HSE investigated the Trust after an employee was diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome following prolonged vibration exposure from work equipment. The investigation found the Trust did not keep records showing employees vibration exposure levels, did not assess risks in a suitable and sufficient way, did not eliminate exposure, and did not reduce exposure to as low as reasonably practicable.

What Was The Outcome?

The Trust pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 1 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The court fined the Trust 40000 and ordered it to pay full prosecution costs of 4911 at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on 12 January 2026.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Carry out suitable and sufficient vibration assessments. Employers need to assess the risks from vibrating tools properly, including maintaining records that demonstrate the level of exposure employees face.

Use control measures to reduce exposure as low as reasonably practicable. Where reasonably practicable, exposure should be eliminated, and otherwise reduced to as low as reasonably practicable rather than left unmanaged.

Provide clear information, instruction, and training. Employees should receive suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training about vibration risks and potential symptoms so they can recognise problems early.

Act on occupational health outcomes and reporting. The Trust failed to report that other employees had been diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, showing the need for effective reporting processes when diagnoses are known.

Treat vibration failures as a serious legal and human risk. This case resulted in a court fine and costs, and affected an employee who described lasting impacts on work and everyday life, underlining the importance of preventing lifelong conditions through compliant risk management.

HSE Prosecution Link