HSE Urges Early Action On Noise And Vibration Risks

HSE has launched a campaign during Bone and Joint Health Week to push employers to assess, control and protect against workplace noise and vibration. About 15,000 workers develop work related hearing problems each year and an estimated one in five workers is exposed to harmful noise levels, so the campaign offers practical steps, resources and links to the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge to help meet legal duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

HSE has launched a campaign during Bone and Joint Health Week urging employers to act now to prevent permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and hand arm vibration syndrome. The regulator notes that around 15,000 workers develop hearing problems caused or made worse by work each year and that an estimated one in five workers is exposed to harmful noise levels. The campaign builds on HSE work to reduce vibration related ill health and complements the Prevention Programme and the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge.

Noise and vibration are common hazards in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, utilities, waste management, engineering, maintenance and the entertainment and events sectors. Everyday tools, machinery and equipment can produce levels of exposure that lead to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, or to vascular and nerve problems in the hands and arms such as numbness, tingling, pain, reduced grip and carpal tunnel syndrome. These health effects can limit a worker s ability to carry out tasks at work and at home, sometimes for the rest of their lives.

The campaign promotes a three step approach: Assess who may be exposed and carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments; Control exposure at source by choosing quieter or lower vibration equipment, maintaining tools and machinery, introducing engineering measures and adopting safer ways of working; and Protect where risks remain by providing suitable hearing protection, arranging required health surveillance and giving workers the information, instruction and training they need. HSE has produced practical tools, guidance and resources aimed at helping employers put these measures into practice and at supporting organisations that have signed the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge.

HSE inspectors say noise and vibration related ill health is preventable and that employers should not wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. Early identification and control of risks protects workers health and reduces the chance of conditions that can be life changing.

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