U.K.: Agency Targets Workplace Vibration Hazards, Hearing Damage

More than 2 million workers in Great Britain are exposed to either excessive noise or hand-arm vibration. The U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a program with the intention of protecting workers from suffering permanent damage to their health as a result of these hazards.

Josh Cable

July 17, 2006

The program is designed to eliminate new cases of occupationally induced hearing damage and control new cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome.

The program will include a range of activities, including inspections and stakeholder participation, to promote the use of measures aimed at limiting exposure to these hazards.

Initially, the program will focus on hand-arm vibration exposure in foundries, heavy fabrication and construction.

More information about the hand-arm vibration program can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration, which the agency recently re-launched. For more information about controlling exposure to excessive noise, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise.