An article published by the HSE department in June of this year brought to light the failings of a rather cavalier individual who offered multiple small and medium sized enterprises, ill informed advice upon multiple complex issues concerning health and safety in the workplace, all whilst being entirely unqualified to do so.
This breach in regulation and disregard for the health and safety of those he advised, demonstrates the clear importance of calling upon earnest professionals who are fully qualified and certified by governing bodies, to examine and advise on such multifaceted matters. The individual in question offered flawed advice in relation to hand arm vibration, workplace noise and the control of substances hazardous to health in the workplace.
Why is this significant?
If we take the example of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), this in an entirely preventable illness which is a serious and often disabling condition. The uninformed advisor as mentioned above, had in cases, incorrectly identified the risk from exposure to HAVS as ‘low’ and instead advised to use ‘anti vibration gloves’ as an appropriate control measure.
Looking at a series of article published by The Building Safety Group in 2019, one such, understood that between 2008 and 2017 there were over 7000 new claims for HAVS according to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Incorrect usage and perhaps even incorrect advice had, in these instances, caused an entirely preventable illness.
All businesses using machinery and tools which are prone to vibrations must to comply to a number of workplace legislations including:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management Health & Safety Works Regulations 1999
- The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- PUWER Regulations 1998
What can Abbey Industrial Solutions do?
At Abbey, we have specialist trained team members who are fully IOA qualified to deliver accurate and useful advice on how to best manage tooling assets in line with government legislation and standards. The Abbey team can conduct on-site assessments using our own, specialist HAVS testing equipment before offering fully HSE recognised solutions to reduce both risk on site and with equipment, whilst also advising on best practice.
Click here to learn more about our Vibration Risk Management Services
Are your tools fully serviced and optimised?
Beyond safety advice, or even tooling sales; Abbey’s service team members are fully trained to complete meticulous maintenance on all your tooling assets. From pneumatic tool repair to DC tool repair services, the Abbey service team can help to ensure that your tools are fully optimised for your production needs.
Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk | 01924 224240
