HAVS health surveillance checks employees who regularly use vibrating hand-held power tools for early signs of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). It is a legal requirement under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. A PEAK4 HAVS assessment combines a confidential questionnaire with a clinical check of the hands and arms.
What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
HAVS is caused by prolonged exposure to vibration from hand-held power tools. It can damage the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints in the hands and arms. Symptoms such as tingling, numbness, reduced grip strength and "vibration white finger" are often irreversible and can make fine work, or everyday tasks like fastening buttons, difficult.
What a HAVS assessment involves
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Questionnaire. A confidential questionnaire on vibration exposure and symptoms.
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Clinical assessment. A check of the hands and arms for early signs of damage.
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Recommendations. Practical steps to reduce risk, such as low-vibration tools, less trigger time (the time a tool is actually vibrating) and more frequent rest breaks.
Early detection is crucial: it lets you put these measures in place before the condition gets worse.
Who needs HAVS surveillance
- Construction workers using jackhammers, breakers and sanders
- Road and utility workers
- Groundskeepers and forestry workers using chainsaws, strimmers and hedge trimmers
- Miners and quarry workers
- Manufacturing and engineering operatives
- Vehicle technicians and body repairers
How PEAK4 delivers HAVS surveillance
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On site or at a clinic. Our Mobile Health Units bring the assessment to your site, so it is quick, discreet and minimally disruptive.
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Rapid turnaround with clear, actionable reports.
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Exposure measured too. Our occupational hygiene team can measure tool vibration with dose monitors and review trigger time, workstation design and manual effort.
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Secure records and digital scheduling through our YODHA portal, with optional same-day GP access and AI-powered health checks.
Catch HAVS early, protect your team and reduce absence and legal risk. Get a tailored quote today.
