HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome)
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a medical condition that can occur when an individual regularly uses hand-held power tools that vibrate. It is characterised by painful joints, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, and permanent vascular damage. The condition results from repetitive trauma caused by vibration exposure. Employers are required to assess and reduce the risk of exposure to hand-arm vibration. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression and improve the prognosis.
HAVS is staged based on the severity of symptoms, including the frequency and location of attacks, as well as the extent of numbness and tingling.
- Stage 0: No attacks or symptoms.
- Stage 1: Mild attacks affecting only the tips of one or more fingers, accompanied by intermittent numbness or tingling.
- Stage 2: Moderate attacks affecting the distal and middle phalanges of one or more fingers, along with intermittent or persistent numbness and reduced sensory perception.
- Stage 3: Severe attacks affecting all phalanges of most fingers, with intermittent or persistent numbness, reduced tactile discrimination, and/or reduced manipulative dexterity.
Further Information
Pathways Occupational Health ensures that employees in the UK who regularly use vibrating tools or machinery receive a HAVS assessment. This is essential in the following scenarios:
- Employees using hand-held or hand-guided power tools, such as grinders, sanders, or hammer drills.
- Employees operating hammer-action tools.
- Employees using rotary or other action tools for more than one hour per day.
- Employees working in industries with high exposure to vibration, such as construction, foundries, or shipyards.
- Employees complaining of tingling or numbness in their hands or fingers after using vibrating tools.
- Employees holding workpieces that vibrate while being processed by powered machinery.
A HAVS assessment at Pathways Occupational Health typically involves a detailed interview and a series of tests to evaluate the neurological and vascular health of the hands.
- Interview: A thorough medical and occupational history is taken.
- Tests may include:
- Measuring grip strength and finger dexterity.
- Measuring blood pressure and heart rate.
- Assessing sensation.
- Evaluating the vascular system in the hands.
- Determining vibrotactile and thermotactile perception thresholds.
- Ruling out carpal tunnel syndrome.
After the assessment, a detailed report is generated. This includes the findings from the interview and tests, medical advice on vibration exposure, and recommendations for further health surveillance. Pathways Occupational Health prioritises accuracy and efficiency to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all employees.
A typical HAVS assessment at Pathways Occupational Health takes approximately 45 minutes.
Depending on the stage of HAVS, the assessment will be performed by a qualified occupational health nurse or an HSE-approved occupational health physician. Based on the findings, you may be advised to refrain from using vibrating tools until seen by our occupational health physician.
Certificates for HAVS assessments are generally valid for one year. However, this may vary depending on the stage of HAVS the client is exhibiting. If you are at Stage 4, no certificate will be issued, and the HSE-approved physician will determine the next stage in managing the employee’s condition.
Please bring a photo ID (for example, a passport or driving license) and a list of any medication you are currently taking.
No specific clothing or footwear is required for the HAVS assessment.
- Symptoms of HAVS can appear after a few months or years of exposure to vibrating tools, and they can worsen with continued exposure. In some cases, symptoms may persist even after stopping exposure to vibrating tools.
- Pathways Occupational Health nurses are qualified in HAVS through the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.
Minimising or dismissing symptoms or concerns can prevent the occupational health professional from fully understanding the situation. This may delay necessary interventions or adjustments. If you wish to bring a chaperone to the appointment, please call in advance so we can inform the clinician.
Certificate validation is subject to multiple factors, including the findings of your medical report and the specific criteria set by your employer. The validation periods provided on our website represent typical outcomes and are intended as general guidelines. Actual validation times may vary based on individual circumstances and company requirements.