Some Workplace Hazards and Remedies 3 of 3

Some Workplace Hazards and Remedies 3 of 3

VIBRATION

Exposure to vibration from work related activities could occur in two ways:

Hand transmitted vibration - Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)

Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet -Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Employees may be exposed to HAV by direct contact while working with hand held power tools i.e. buffers, drills, saws and road breakers, or holding materials being worked on by machines i.e. bench grinders. 

Exposure may result in various effects collectively know as Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). 

The most common effect being Vibration White Finger (VWF), and other effects include damage to nerves, muscles and joints. 

WBV can occur from driving vehicles over rough terrain and standing on or near to vibrating surfaces.

Details of the exposure limit values for HAV and WBV are contained within the Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002/44/EC and other documents.  However employees who are exposed to the risks should report symptoms at the earliest possible sign(s) of:

A.  Impaired blood circulation and blanching of fingers and parts of the hand

B.   Numbness and tingling in fingers and hands

C.   Reduced grip, strength and dexterity

D.   Reduced sensitivity to touch and temperature

E.   Damage leading to stiffness in the hands, wrist joints, elbows and shoulders

DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT

Regular eye and eyesight tests

Employees who habitually use VDU’s as a significant part of their normal work should be entitled to undertake an eye or eyesight test at regular intervals, normally yearly or 2 years or when requested.  All tests must be arranged via their Human Resources Department.  These tests are specifically for users of display screen equipment.  Employees who require prescription Safety Glasses for a significant part of their work should be entitled to the provision of prescription safety glasses in line with relevant regulations.

 

Supply of glasses

The Employer shall be fully responsible for the purchase of display screen equipment/PPE glasses where it can be demonstrated that they are necessary. 

However, an Employer shall not be responsible for the cost incurred where employee obtains a test independently without the knowledge and appropriate authorisation of the company, even if the test is specifically related to display screen use.

NOISY ENVIRONMENTS

In theory noise is described as “unwanted sound” and can have short term or long term effect on hearing.  There are many processes where employees may encounter varying levels of noise mostly during buffing and grinding, pressure testing, high pressure blasting, high pressure pipe cleaning etc.    

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 as amended was established to allow for control measure to be put in place where levels exceed defined limits, known to contribute toward hearing damage/loss: First Action Level L_ep,d 85 dB(A), Second Action Level L_ep,d 90 dB(A) and Peak Action Level 200 pascals [140dB(A)]

Short term hearing loss can often occur after leaving a noisy environment, and usually recovers within a few hours.  This should not be ignored as it may be a sign that continued exposure to such an environment may result in long term effects. 

Permanent hearing damage can be caused by sudden extreme or loud noises i.e. explosion, but also from gradual and prolonged exposure to noise.

Hearing loss may not be the only effect from excessive noise, Tinnitus which is whistling, bussing, ringing or humming sounds in the ear may also occur, which can be distressing and lead to: Loss of sleep, Lack of concentration, Stress and Interference in communication.

Noise induced hearing loss does not necessarily effect older people, the young can also be at risk.  Where assessments have identified employees to be subjected to the Second Action level, they will be subject to health surveillance that includes: Regular hearing checks in controlled conditions to measure the sensitivity of hearing, Information about the results of the hearing checks and Encouragement to see further advice from a doctor, where hearing damage is suspected. Thank you