The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new national campaign urging employers to take action against workplace noise and vibration, warning that exposure can cause permanent, life-changing health conditions.
Launched on 13 October 2026, the campaign highlights the importance of identifying risks early, reducing exposure and protecting workers before irreversible damage occurs.
With the message “Assess. Control. Protect.”, HSE is encouraging businesses across the UK to take a proactive approach to occupational health, particularly in industries where vibrating tools and machinery are part of everyday work.
The Hidden Risks of Workplace Noise and Vibration
Noise and vibration are common hazards across construction, forestry, arboriculture, manufacturing, engineering, agriculture and grounds maintenance.
While the immediate dangers associated with machinery are often recognised, the long-term effects of repeated exposure can be less obvious.
Excessive workplace noise can lead to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, while prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The consequences can extend far beyond the workplace, affecting a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities, enjoy hobbies and maintain their quality of life.
One of the greatest concerns is that workers may not recognise the warning signs until damage has already occurred.
HSE’s latest campaign reinforces a crucial message: prevention must begin before symptoms develop.
What Is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is a potentially debilitating condition caused by regular exposure to vibration transmitted through the hands and arms.
It is particularly associated with the prolonged or frequent use of equipment such as:
- Chainsaws, brushcutters and hedge trimmers
- Angle grinders and sanders
- Hammer drills and impact tools
- Concrete breakers and demolition equipment
- Other hand-held or hand-guided vibrating machinery
Repeated exposure can damage the nerves, blood vessels and other tissues in the hands and arms.
Recognising the Early Warning Signs
Symptoms of HAVS may include:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Reduced sensitivity and difficulty feeling small objects
- Loss of grip strength and manual dexterity
- Fingers turning white, particularly in cold conditions (vibration white finger)
- Pain or discomfort affecting the hands and fingers
These symptoms may initially appear mild or intermittent. However, continued exposure can cause them to worsen, potentially leading to permanent damage.
Early reporting, appropriate health surveillance and effective exposure controls are essential to preventing further harm.
Assess. Control. Protect. – HSE’s Three-Step Approach
HSE’s new campaign promotes three straightforward principles to help employers manage workplace noise and vibration risks.
1. Assess: Understand the Risks
Employers should identify activities that expose workers to potentially harmful levels of noise or vibration.
For hand-arm vibration, this includes considering the equipment being used, vibration levels, how frequently tools are operated and the duration of exposure.
Suitable risk assessments help employers identify who may be at risk and determine what preventative measures are required.
2. Control: Reduce Exposure
Once risks have been identified, employers must take appropriate steps to eliminate or reduce exposure.
Practical measures may include:
- Selecting lower-vibration tools and equipment
- Maintaining machinery and replacing worn components
- Reviewing working methods to reduce vibration exposure
- Limiting the duration of exposure where necessary
- Planning work to minimise unnecessary use of vibrating equipment
Effective controls should focus on reducing the risk at source, rather than relying solely on workers to manage their own exposure.
3. Protect: Safeguard Workers’ Health
Protecting workers involves more than providing equipment.
Employers must ensure that appropriate control measures are maintained, workers understand the risks and suitable health surveillance is provided where required.
Information, instruction and training are important elements of this process, helping employees recognise symptoms, understand preventative measures and report concerns at an early stage.
What Does the Law Require?
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers have a legal responsibility to assess and control risks associated with workplace vibration.
For hand-arm vibration, the regulations establish two important daily exposure values:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8) – the level at which employers must take specified action to control exposure.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0 m/s² A(8) – the maximum daily exposure that must not be exceeded.
Importantly, these values are not targets. Employers should reduce vibration risks as far as reasonably practicable, even where exposure remains below the legal limit.
Suitable information, instruction and training, alongside appropriate risk assessments, control measures and health surveillance, all contribute to effective vibration risk management.
Supporting HAVS Awareness – 50% Off Online Training
To coincide with HSE’s new campaign and help raise awareness of vibration-related health risks, KNW Training is offering 50% off our online Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Awareness course until 31 October 2026.
Designed to support greater understanding of HAVS and workplace vibration hazards, online learning offers a convenient option for individuals and organisations looking to improve awareness.
With flexible, self-paced learning, training can be completed without the need to attend a scheduled classroom session.
Special October Offer – Save 50%
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Awareness Training
Was £42.00 – Now £21.00 (including VAT)
Offer ends 31 October 2026.
Awareness training supports workplace risk management but does not replace suitable risk assessments, exposure controls or health surveillance.
Taking Action Today Can Prevent Long-Term Harm
HSE’s latest campaign serves as an important reminder that workplace health risks are not always immediately visible.
Unlike an accident or injury that occurs suddenly, vibration-related health conditions can develop gradually through repeated exposure over months or years.
By identifying risks early, implementing effective controls and ensuring workers understand the potential consequences, employers can make a meaningful difference to long-term occupational health.
Assess the risks. Control exposure. Protect your workforce.
Further Information and Resources
For additional guidance and practical resources, visit:
- HSE Work Right – Noise and Vibration Campaign
- HSE – Hand-Arm Vibration Guidance
- HSE – Noise and Vibration Campaign Announcement
KNW Training – Supporting safer workplaces through practical, accessible training.
