This example shows how a company might record its arrangements for managing the risks of vibration exposure. This is the detail that supports a statement of policy and intent to manage occupational health risks effectively.
This document describes our arrangements for managing the risks of exposure to hand-arm vibration.
It supports the company's overall health and safety policy, which is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of our employees while they are at work, and of others who may be affected by their work.
Ultimate responsibility for all matters relating to health and safety within [company name] rests with Board of Directors. To secure good standards of health and safety management, actions have been delegated to others, including line managers.
The health and safety policy requires everyone who has designated responsibility for managing health and safety to ensure that the arrangements described in this document are implemented effectively, and regularly reviewed and monitored.
Employees have a duty to co-operate with the company in controlling risks. All employees, and others who may be affected by risks of hand-arm vibration, should be made aware of the arrangements to protect them and what they need to do.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require the company to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to vibration at work. Employees and the self-employed also have duties under the Regulations. In particular, we will:
Sample objectives:
The company recognises the importance of implementing a range of control measures to reduce the risks from hand-arm vibration. Risk controls include:
Alternative work methods
We will consider alternative work methods that eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration, for example….
Equipment selection
We will make sure that the equipment selected is suitable for the task and can do the work efficiently.
Maintenance of work equipment
We will introduce appropriate maintenance programmes for equipment to prevent an avoidable increase in vibration (following the manufacturer's recommendations where appropriate).
Purchasing policy for replacing old equipment and tools
Work equipment is likely to be replaced over time as it becomes worn out. It is important that we choose replacements, so far as is reasonably practicable, which are suitable for the work, efficient and of lower vibration.
We will train purchasing staff on the issues relating to vibration so that they can deal effectively with equipment suppliers.
Work schedules
We will limit the time that our employees are exposed to vibration. For example, by planning work to avoid work to avoid individuals being exposed to vibration for long, continuous periods - several shorter periods are preferable. Where tools require continual or frequent use, introduce employee rotas to limit exposure times.
Clothing and gloves
We will provide employees with protective clothing to keep them warm and dry.
All employees who work with equipment that creates a risk of exposure to hand-arm vibration will be provided with information and training on:
The need for refresher training will be reviewed at least annually, and update training provided as necessary.
We will provide health surveillance for any employees who, despite our action to control the risk, are likely to be regularly exposed above the exposure action value or are considered to be at risk for any other reason.
We will consult our employee representative (or trade union safety representative), and the employees concerned before introducing health surveillance.
Compliance with this policy will be monitored by [a specified manager] during routine inspections.
[A specified manager] will review these arrangements every year unless there is a significant change in the interim, eg work practice.
