WHAT
I
INFORMATION AND TRAINING DO
NEED TO GIVE MY
EMPLOYEES?
Employees need to know about the hazard and what they should do to reduce the risk,
for example:
▼ potential sources of hand-arm vibration;
▼ the health effects of hand-arm vibration;
▼ risk factors (eg high levels of vibration, daily length/regularity of exposure);
▼ how to recognise and report signs of injury;
▼ ways to minimise risk, including:
changes to working practices to reduce vibration exposure;
▼
correct selection, use and maintenance of equipment;
▼
how to use tools to reduce grip force, strain etc;
▼
maintenance of good blood circulation at work, eg by keeping warm, exercising
▼
fingers and not smoking.
You should consult with your safety or employee representative on your proposals for
training and information.
WHAT
I
DO?
ELSE SHOULD
Even where you have taken precautionary measures, some employees may still be at risk. In
cases where regular exposure to hazardous vibration continues or employees are reporting
symptoms (see page 9 `How do I know if my employees are at risk?'), you need to arrange
for regular health checks (known as health surveillance) of those employees.This should
mean that harm from vibration is detected early and will allow you to:
▼ arrange for a medical assessment and for medical advice to be given to the employee
about the risks of continuing exposure;
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▼ take steps to avoid serious injury of the employee.