Site ops in the dark on risks of vibration

Two-thirds of site operatives are not aware of the new Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005; 50% of them don’t see hand-arm-vibration (HAV) as an issue; and only 56% of site and safety managers are aware of the vibration traffic light system.

This shocking lack of understanding of the risks of HAV is revealed in a survey by Speedy Hire.

The research found that there were significant variations in HAV policies, ranging from nothing, to specific check sheets, and that responsibility for ‘trigger times’ was largely given to operatives with few checks in place.

It also found that although heavier tools were viewed as being the main problem, the exposure from drills and smaller hand tools was quite often underestimated by operatives.

In reaction to the survey results, Speedy is rolling out a £500,000 education campaign across sites on the proper use of equipment.

It has also teamed up with the Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre and the University of Loughborough to provide real-life vibration data for tools provided by Speedy’s 16 suppliers. Readings taken on site are often two to three times higher than those taken in a laboratory.

Phil Prince, head of group marketing at Speedy, said: “The survey results show the information just isn’t cascading down, so we have trained up 600 staff to raise customers’ awareness. We will also embark on 13 roadshows across the country.”

The Major Contractors’ Group has told all its members that they must use tools with real-life data on all their projects.