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Fryer39047  
#1 Posted : 17 February 2013 18:49:25(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Fryer39047

Would it be acceptable for a representative group of workers to be measured for trigger time and the results extrapolated for the whole group, if they are all doing the same task? Obviously if one or more workers has an identified issue, they would be managed separately.Or do all workers have to have trigger time measured separately to enable a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to be completed?

I've been reading the Guide to the Regs and it isn't that clear.
bob youel  
#2 Posted : 18 February 2013 07:46:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

F
Ask "can each individual bring a personal and individual claim"? Thereafter if each person can bring an individual claim ask "do I U need to ensure that each individual is adequately managed?" and move on from there

In my opinion, after working with businesses who paid out £10 million [yep £10 million] re this area is to evaluate every individual as having white finger is a very individual thing. Additionally the effort you would have to go to to ensure that enough individuals were looked at to give you a good defence with all the things that surround this inclusive of 'like for like" use etc. is an extensive exercise in itself
Palmer20061  
#3 Posted : 18 February 2013 08:17:46(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Palmer20061

I would have thought that for an initial screen, to see if you need to carry out more detailed measurement, then monitoring a sample of the workforce would be adequate. If they are well below the 100 point action value then that should be okay unless you subsequently change any working practices. (I’ll leave you to decide what ‘well below’ means – don’t forget that the duty is to, in effect, minimise HAV even if already below the action value (I recently heard an HSE inspector liken it to being ‘done’ for doing 20MPH in a 30 limit)

If the initial screening shows that they are not well below this then individual monitoring may well be needed (not anywhere near as easy/accurate as it sounds, unless done automatically).
descarte8  
#4 Posted : 18 February 2013 08:49:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
descarte8

Short answer in my opinion, yes.

I dont think you need to measure all seperately. Especially if like me you have 1500+ people to measure using a base set of 5-6 standard tools then additional specialist ones. Not practical.

Is this a specific task? Should it take a set period of time?

If not, who manages these people? If a tool has a set trigger time limit then brief this to the employee and their manager. Manager then can organise and rotate work as necessary.

Best strategy however is to purchase tools with less than 5m/s² (assuming you have health surveilance), or engineer the exposure out, although this is not always practical/possible, I know.

Des
Nick A  
#5 Posted : 01 March 2013 21:30:48(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Nick A

I think you also need to decide if you are proactive or reactive, are you looking to defend any potential claims or to protect your workers so they don't have any OH issues?

Unless you actively monitor all of the people all of the time can you actually be sure they remain protected at all times?

Maintenance of equipment, sharp and efficient tools / consumables, how the operator holds the tool all affect the potential vibration and therefore points totals.

I think it is one for the legal eagles to fight out!

good luck!!

Nick

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