They apply to both mechanical hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration at work. HSE will be publishing leaflets for employers and employees during May and more detailed guidance later this year. The European Commission will also publish generic guidance later in the year. The regulations implement the Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002/44/EC. EEF lobbied hard during the development of the European Directive because:
The new Exposure Limit Value for Hand Arm Vibration is not based on what is reasonably achievable and will be a very difficult standard to meet for many manufacturing companies and in particular foundries.
The whole-body vibration requirements have no scientific basis in connection with back pain. Back pain is more likely to be caused by the various ergonomic factors associated with driving work than by the level of vibration.
The complexity and inaccuracy of measurement for both HAV and WBV will mean that companies are likely to undergo considerable expense in carrying out a comprehensive risk assessment.
Health surveillance for whole-body vibration is inappropriate as there is no observable pathology.
It is anticipated that the HSE guidance will address some of these points. The regulations are available from the HMSO website at www.hmso.gov.uk/si/ si2005/ 20051093.htm. Hard copies are available from The Stationery Office (ISBN 0 11 0727 673) tel: 0870 600 5522 or email: customer.services@tso.co.uk.
Noise campaign
This year's European Health and Safety Week, which runs from 24th October, is about minimising noise in the workplace. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work have begun a campaign to reduce noise at work and are looking for examples of good practice to be entered for Good Practice Awards. For further information see http://ew2005.osha.eu.int/. A new Noise Toolbox Talk Pack is available from HSE Books, price £10, (ISBN 0 7176 2998 8). The Physical Agents (Noise) Directive is due to come into force in new regulations on the 15 February 2006. For further information visit the HSE Noise homepage: www.hse.gov.uk/noise/issues.htm.