The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have information relating to Human Factors & Ergonomics on their website.
People are involved in all aspects of work, which is why HSE recognises the importance that human factors can play in helping avoid accidents and ill-health at work.
This 10 page Leaflet INDG90 is aimed at anyone who has a duty to maintain and improve ergonomics in the workplace. It provides examples of ergonomics problems and simple, effective advice on what can be done to solve them.
It will also help to answer questions about ergonomics and will explain how understanding ergonomics can improve health and safety in the workplace.
Let Ergo & Wellbeing help your business or organisation understand the guidance and regulations and improve workplace safety, comfort and wellbeing.
Ergo & Wellbeing can give advice on understanding what is Hand-Arm Vibration and on the HSE's related ‘Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005’.
We can also assist with creating a Hand Arm Vibration (HAV's) control strategy and policy.
What is hand-arm vibration or HAV’s?
Hand-arm Vibration occurs when working with vibrating powered hand-held tools or equipment. It was originally know as ‘white finger’. Hand arm vibration can be a significant health risk whenever exposure to vibrating tools is over a safe daily limit.
What are the symptoms?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the arms and hands. This can result in individual fingers going white when the hand is exposed to cold and 'pins and needles' can occur.
Can damage be permanent?
Yes. Damage caused by HAV is permanent.
What are the vibration exposure limits?
Exposure action value (EAV) is the daily amount of vibration exposure. If vibration exposure is above 2.5 m/s² A(8), employers are required to take action to control exposure. The exposure limit value (ELV) is the maximum amount of vibration employees can be exposed to daily. The ELV for hand-arm vibration is a daily exposure of 5 m/s² A(8).
According to the Health and Safety Executive
…
"HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent.
HAVS is serious and disabling, and nearly 2 million people are at risk.
Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks.
The costs to employees and to employers of inaction could be high.
There are simple and cost-effective ways to eliminate the risk of HAVS.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations focus on the elimination or control of vibration exposure.
The long-term aim is to prevent new cases of HAVS occurring and enable workers to remain at work without disability.
The most efficient and effective way of controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration is to look for new or alternative work methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration”.
Health surveillance is also vital to detect and respond to early signs of damage.
Here are some useful links from the Health & Safety Executive
Human error is expected and can be predictable. It can also be identified and managed as an part of a safety management system. The best approach to avoiding human error is to take a proactive stance. Improvements can be made on the back of reviewing previous mistakes and failures. We don’t need to wait until more happen. The greatest failure is not to learn from our mistakes.
Understanding why mistakes happen, even to the most experienced can help identify the control measures are needed. There may be a combination of underlying causes, so this is where a systematic thinking approach contributes in reducing workplace error and system failures.
Consider whether the failure is a -
slip, lapse, error in judgement or decision making (doing something out of sequence or missing a key step), a violation or non-compliance.
Put control measures in place to prevent or minimilse error.
Is the failure due to the -
interface design
design of the process
workload
lack of concentration
distraction
time pressure
fatigue
experience
lack of training
lack of adequate equipment or tools
lack of competence
low morale
the working environment (noise, temperature, humidity, air quality, poor lighting)
the structure of the communication system in place
A successful way to reduce risk is to involve workers in design of tasks and procedures. Those working closely on a task or process know it best and are well placed to given feedback and recommendations.
Risk assessments provide an opportunity to identify problems and investigate root causes. Control measures can then be put in place and reviewed on a regular basis. Regular review and feedback from users is effective in lowering the rates of errors and accidents.
Useful reading can be found on the HSE website here.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and facility types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans.
"To help organisations meet both immediate needs and those that are more long term, the WELL Health-Safety Rating addresses a range of acute health threats that can be mitigated by facility operations and management strategies. The rating system presents a diverse set of evidence-based strategies that can be customised to an organisation’s specific concerns and goals in the short and the long term. In addition to its focus on potential risks associated with infectious disease, the WELL Health-Safety Rating includes operational strategies to mitigate mould, Legionnaires' disease, and air and water quality contaminants. It also focuses on emergency planning and operations, as well as occupant communication and engagement to ensure awareness and participation in creating a healthy, safe environment. Finally, the rating includes strategies to support occupant and employee health, with a focus on mental health during crises, sick leave policies and community immunity.
For more information from IWBI click here or view this handy download
As a WELL AP I can assist you with the rating process as part of your project team.
