Hand-Arm Vibration: Awareness

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)

Hand-arm vibration is transmitted into the worker’s hands and arms through the palms and fingers, and can lead to MSD including hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This typically happens by holding a vibrating tool, equipment, or piece of machinery.

Exposures

High levels of vibration exposure paired with highly repetitive tasks increases risk of HAVS.

IndustryConstruction tradesManufacturingMiningAgriculture, forestry
Common tools used

Jackhammers, pneumatic hammers, grinders

 

person using a grider, vibrating through their hands and arms, and legs

Vibrating equipment, power tools

 

person using a drill on a tire experiencing vibration through their hands and arms

Jacklegs, jumbo drills, specialized drills

 

person using a drill on rock in a mine, experiencing vibration through their hands, arms and upper back

Chainsaws, other

 

person using a chainsaw to cut a log, experiencing vibration through their hands and arms

Acceleration of hand tools

Daily use of tools that generate high levels of vibration can lead to increased risk of HAVS if the duration of use exceeds the exposure limit. Exposure limits for hand-arm vibration are provided by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Symptoms and Monitoring

 Nerve damageMusculoskeletal damageBlood Vessel Damage
Example of MSDCarpal tunnel syndrome Tendonitis, contracturesVibration-Induced White Finger
Symptoms

numbness, tingling

a hand showing a nerve running through it with swelling at the wrist and numbness

weakness, clumsiness, pain

hand showing tendons, and muscles in the wrist with swelling

blanching (white) fingertips, painful blanching attacks

hand showing blood vessels getting restricted resulting in white (blanched) fingers

If you are experiencing these symptoms, notify your supervisor as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.

White Finger (blanching) Monitoring

Modified Stockholm Sensorineural Staging System: The Stockholm Sensorineural Scale is a tool that may be used by your healthcare provider to assess the severity of your symptoms.

stockholm sensorineural staging system graphic

What can workers do to prevent injury? 

To control exposure and reduce risk of HAVS:

  • Avoid using excessive grip force
  • Tell supervisor about tools and tasks that cause high vibration
  • Take regular breaks from vibrating equipment
  • Use the right tool for the job
  • Ensure equipment is regularly maintained as outlined in preventative maintenance schedule found in the equipment/tool owner manual
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Hand-Arm Vibration Poster: Awareness (2 page PDF)
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