Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 01 November 2005 09:02:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By M Kirby
Hello,

We have had several issues lately, and would appreciate some advice if possible? We are currently using an Occupational Health service, and personnel are being diagnosed with HAVS that are (for instance) Electricians and only use drills?

Please could you answer the following:

Should the operative be blind folded during screening?
What should the exact conditions be for screening?
Should the question about outside working with vibrating equipment be asked?

For information:

We have carried out risk assessments, together with recording dose per day. Together with Managing the amount of vibration employees sustain per day (i.e. not above 400), and catagorising equipment etc etc.

Any other information relating to HAVS and the protection of the employee and business would be appreciated.

Best regards
Mick
Admin  
#2 Posted : 01 November 2005 11:06:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Ron Hunter
A few thoughts:
Objective testing (beyond screening tests) will be required to confirm any HAVs diagnosis.
You mention a risk scoring strategy, but don't say whether your vibration figures are based on manufacturers/hirers or actual in-use measurements? Vibration levels for drills are obviously highly variable dependent on materials, drill bits, hammer action, etc.
Lifestyle questions (e.g. motorcyclists) are valid part of subjective test questionnaire.
Do you have a sufficient "baseline" for your people, i.e. could the symptoms now showing be due to damage caused by previous employment?
Admin  
#3 Posted : 01 November 2005 11:11:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Brian Dunckley
Be careful about diagnosis of HAVS,the Occupational Heath company have only
provided an initial diagnosis, you need to consult a specialist to identfy
what category of HAVS each individual has. Only then can you report it as
an industrial disease.This is based on a similar experience in my organisation.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.