The HSE has launched a new campaign focusing on the harmful effects of workplace noise and vibration. Both can cause permanent health problems, but taking the right precautions can help protect employees from life-changing injuries. The good news is but of it is preventable

Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), affecting employees’ health and quality of life. These conditions often develop gradually, meaning workers may not recognise the damage until symptoms appear. The HSE is encouraging employers across the UK to take action early, particularly in industries where employees regularly use vibrating tools, machinery or work in noisy environments.

The HSE offers a step approach:

Assess – Employers need to assess who is exposed to noise and vibration within your workplace and conduct comprehensive risk assessments.

Control – Minimise exposure at its source by maybe selecting quieter or lower-vibration equipment or regularly maintaining machinery and tools, element measures for adopting safer ways of working.

Protect – Risks areas ensure suitable hearing protection, is provided. Book regular health surveillance testing. Ensure workers have relevant the information, instruction and training they need to protect themselves.

The HSE states, that around 15,000 workers develop hearing problems caused or made worse by work every year, while an estimated one in five workers is exposed to harmful levels of noise at work.

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers have legal responsibilities to assess and manage these workplace risks.

We can help your business to protect employees; Milne Safety offer a range of health surveillance testing including

Hand Arm Vibration Assessment
Noise Assessment

Our experienced Health and Safety Consultants work closely with employers to assess exposure levels, recommend practical control measures and support compliance with HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the health risks of workplace noise and vibration?

Regular exposure to excessive workplace noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from powered tools and machinery can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which may result in tingling, numbness, reduced grip strength and circulation problems in the fingers. Both conditions can have long-term effects on employees’ health and ability to work.

2. When does an employer need a workplace noise assessment?

Employers must assess the risks where employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A), averaged over a working day or week, or where other indications suggest a risk to hearing. A noise assessment helps identify exposure levels, appropriate control measures and whether hearing protection or health surveillance is required.

3. What is a hand-arm vibration assessment, and why is it important?

A hand-arm vibration assessment evaluates employees’ exposure to vibration from equipment such as grinders, drills, breakers and other powered tools. It helps employers identify risks, compare exposure with the daily exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and implement suitable controls to reduce the likelihood of HAVS.

4. Does Milne Safety provide noise and vibration assessments across Norfolk and the UK?

Yes. Milne Safety provides professional workplace noise assessments and hand-arm vibration assessments for businesses in Norwich, Norfolk, Suffolk, throughout the East of England and across the UK. Our consultants can visit your workplace, assess relevant risks and provide practical recommendations to help protect employees and meet health and safety responsibilities.