Latest HAVS News and Vibration Monitoring Technology
Reducing the risks of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) continues to be an ongoing goal in many industries, with continuous efforts to improve risk assessments and harm reduction strategies. As new advancements in vibration monitoring technology make waves in the industry, reducing the risks of HAVS in the workplace is a priority for everyone. This ensures that workers who are exposed to vibrating tools are better protected from the health risks associated with working with vibrating tools.
Recent Developments in Vibration Monitoring
Launched in August 2022, Reactec’s new monitoring system is a serious advancement in the effort to monitor real-time vibration monitoring. This leap forward measures and monitors vibration levels and provides real-time data on workers’ exposure to vibration while working. Tracking exposure levels as they occur provides a window to intervene, reducing the risk of HAVS. This new technology helps employers follow through on their duties to provide risk assessments and take appropriate measures to protect their workforce by providing them with detailed, in-depth reports.
HAVSPRO has also been instrumental in moving the ball forward by building advanced vibration monitoring systems. Their new systems continuously monitor workers’ exposure to vibration, making sure that workers’ exposure levels remain within safe and legislated limits. Companies can significantly reduce the risks of HAVS simply by adding these systems to their safety protocols.
The Role of the Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is highly influential in setting the standards for managing vibration at work, and for good reason. The HSE’s guidelines ensure that employers understand the importance of regular risk assessments and implement control measures to minimise employee exposure to vibration at work. Employers must follow these guidelines by providing appropriate equipment to prevent excessive vibration levels for their workers.
The HSE is another group that has realised the importance of using the latest technology to monitor real-time vibration levels. These new advanced vibration monitoring systems allow employers to better understand hand-arm vibration syndrome risks and adjust their practices to suit the latest data.
Monitoring and Education Challenges in the Workplace
Protecting workers who regularly use hand-held vibrating tools is the most significant challenge in managing HAVS in the workplace. The old way of monitoring exposure was periodic assessments, which left workers at risk if their exposure levels changed during their shifts (which they inevitably would). Real-time monitoring solves this problem, providing continuous data on actual vibration exposure and allowing for corrective action when necessary.
Shaun from Principal Power Tools says “Regular training sessions with workers are necessary to help them fully grasp the health risks associated with exposure to vibration and what they can do to reduce their risk of injury.”
HAVS: An Old Problem with New Solutions
The latest advancements in vibration monitoring technology are changing how employers and workers approach HAVS protection and protocols. Systems that provide real-time data on exposure levels allow employers to be more proactive and better manage the risks of hand-arm vibration syndrome. By using the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive and these new technologies, companies can better protect their workers from the dangers of excessive vibration.