Vibration at Work

Vibration means rapid movement to and fro or oscillating movement.

Effects of Exposure

Mechanical vibrations at work can expose workers to:

• hand-arm vibration (HAV); and/or
• whole-body vibration (WBV).

HAV is caused by the use of work equipment and work processes that transmit vibration into the hands and arms of employees.

Long-term, regular exposure to HAV is known to lead to potentially permanent and debilitating health effects known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), such as vibration white finger and carpal tunnel syndrome.

WBV is caused by vibration transmitted through the seat or the feet by workplace machines and vehicles.

Regular, long-term exposure to high levels of WBV is linked to lower back pain.

The Law

Chapter 2 of Part 5 and Schedule 6 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) as amended by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amended) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 732 of 2007) sets down the minimum requirements for the protection of workers from the health risks associated with vibration in the workplace.

Further information

To assist compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, the Health and Safety Authority has published comprehensive guidelines on the Regulations.