Hand-arm vibration syndrome comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints). Operators who regularly and frequently use hand held power tools, hand-guided power equipment and powered machines that process hand-held materials could be at risk.
This one page information sheet is designed to assist you in considering the type of tasks undertake in the industry in relation to HAVS.
HAVS Risk Assessment Notes
Reducing error and influencing behaviour (HSG48) is the key document in understanding HSE’s approach to human factors. It gives a simple introduction to generic industry guidance on human factors, which it defines as:
“Human factors refer to environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics, which influence behaviour at work in a way which can affect health and safety”
This section provides information for the industry on applying a ‘Task Analysis’ approach to identifying ‘high risk’ situations and taking into consideration, human factors, when applying suitable control measures.
HSG 48 – Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour HSE Inspectors tool kit HSE Human factors in accident investigation
Human error and task analysis introduction Human error and task analysis – classifications Example HTA for fitting a plug to a lead Annex 3 HTA worked example for clearing a blockage Annex 4 – Worked example of a completed HTA for completing a baler blockage Human failure explanations
HSE ‘We are all human’ presentation HSE ‘Task Analysis presentation
Safe interventions on machines HSE Machine intervention checklist How safe are your machines checklist Maintenance safety