Vibration Assessments Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers are required to assess workers’ exposure to hand-arm and whole-body vibration, identify roles at risk, and implement suitable control measures to reduce harm. These duties apply across a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and agriculture-anywhere powered tools, vehicles or vibrating equipment are in routine use.
At Envirochem, we carry out detailed vibration assessments designed to help you meet your compliance obligations and manage long-term exposure risks. Our approach combines on-site measurement with clear, actionable reporting, giving you the evidence needed to support proportionate risk control and protect your workforce.
What We Monitor
Vibration exposure varies widely between tasks, tools, and individual workers. Our monitoring focuses on two main types of exposure:
- Hand-arm vibration, which affects workers using handheld or hand-guided tools such as breakers, grinders, sanders and impact wrenches.
- Whole-body vibration, experienced by operators of mobile machinery, off-road vehicles or equipment with poorly maintained suspension or seating.
In addition to pre-screening using estimates, our consultants capture actual exposure values over the course of a working day where risk is identified. We also consider contributory ergonomic factors which may increase risk to workers. This allows for a more accurate understanding of associated health risk and supports targeted improvements, whether that involves equipment changes, job rotation, or task redesign.
Our Process
We begin by reviewing your current operations, equipment, and any existing risk assessments. Our consultants will visit your site to observe tasks in context, understand shift patterns and identify those most at risk. This initial review forms the basis of a monitoring plan that reflects real working conditions.
Using industry-approved accelerometers, we measure vibration levels at the hand or body interface during representative work periods. These measurements are typically taken over full or partial shifts, depending on the tool usage pattern. The goal is to produce time-weighted exposure values that can be compared directly with the Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV) set out in the Vibration Regulations.
Once data is collected, we analyse the results and provide a structured report. This includes a clear summary of exposure levels, comparison with regulatory thresholds, and practical, proportionate recommendations to reduce risk. These may include changes to equipment, maintenance schedules, work patterns, or training on safe tool handling. Our priority is to help you take meaningful action while minimising disruption to operations.
When Is Vibration Monitoring Required?
A formal assessment is required when workers are likely to be exposed to vibration levels above the daily action values of 2.5 m/s² for hand-arm vibration or 0.5 m/s² for whole-body vibration. However, relying on assumptions or manufacturer data can often result in misleading conclusions.
Monitoring is particularly important when:
- You are introducing new tools, equipment or vehicles with significant vibration output.
- There are reports of tingling, numbness, pain or fatigue linked to tool use.
- Tools are in poor condition or used for long durations without breaks.
- Workers carry out similar tasks across different work areas or shifts, making exposure harder to estimate.
- Tools are used for unusual processes where manufacturer data or online estimates may not be valid.
- You need reliable evidence to update your risk assessment or respond to enforcement guidance.
The Impact of Uncontrolled Vibration Exposure
Exposure to vibration is a recognised cause of serious and irreversible occupational illness. Workers who regularly use handheld or hand-guided tools may develop Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a painful condition that causes permanent loss of dexterity and grip strength. In more severe cases, long-term use of vibrating tools is also associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and a range of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the arms, shoulders and upper back.
Whole-body vibration poses different risks. Workers operating mobile plant, agricultural vehicles or off-road machinery over uneven terrain are vulnerable to spinal damage, including chronic lower back pain, disc degeneration and reduced mobility. These effects typically accumulate over time and may go unreported until symptoms begin to interfere with daily work or quality of life.
From a business perspective, vibration-related illness presents clear risks to continuity and compliance. Companies may face compensation claims, enforcement action, or increased absenteeism linked to long-term injury. In some sectors, poor vibration management has resulted in substantial financial penalties and reputational damage, particularly where exposure was known but not properly assessed.
Despite these risks, many workplaces continue to rely on outdated estimates or generic manufacturer data to assess exposure. Without accurate, task-specific monitoring, it is difficult to understand where control is most needed or how effective existing measures really are. This not only weakens your ability to protect workers, but also leaves businesses exposed to compliance failures.
By measuring actual exposure under real working conditions, vibration assessments provide a reliable foundation for action. They support practical improvements to tool use, task design, and control strategies, helping you reduce long-term health risks and maintain a safe, skilled workforce.
Why Choose Envirochem?
Our consultants take a practical, informed approach to vibration assessment, shaped by decades of experience across high-risk sectors. We understand that real-world exposure rarely matches textbook examples, and that control measures must work for your teams as well as your compliance records.
We tailor each assessment to your workplace, combining on-site measurement with professional insight into tool handling, operator behaviours, and task variability. Where appropriate, we deliver vibration assessments alongside other occupational hygiene services, helping you manage multiple risks in a single visit.
Our reports are delivered in clear, structured formats with actionable recommendations. They are designed to help you make confident decisions about risk reduction and meet your responsibilities and legal requirements with clarity and control.
Speak to Our Team
If you're unsure whether your operations require vibration monitoring, or would like support in reviewing your existing controls, get in touch with our expert team. We’ll work with you to understand the specific risks on your site and provide practical, proportionate solutions to keep your workforce protected.
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