Tier 3/4 hand-arm vibration Assessments

Infinity Occupational Health provides tier 3 & 4 assessments combined in one appointment to identify any development or risk of vibration conditions which include hand-arm vibration syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Providing the combined assessment reduces the number of times that an employee has to be seen by giving a definitive diagnosis and opinion. In many cases, the tier 3 assessment (typically done by an occupational health nurse) means that the employee has to be referred onwards to a physician meaning increased cost and inconvenience for the company and employee.

Vibration transmitted through tools can cause significant damage to blood vessels and nerves in the hands, and many workers require health surveillance:

• Those regularly exposed above the exposure action value of 2.5 m/s2

• Workers occasionally exposed above the exposure action value where a risk assessment identifies the frequency and severity of exposure may pose a risk to health

• Those workers who have a diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome (even when exposed below the exposure action value)

We can advise on any modifications or restrictions which can in some cases, be essential for protecting health and preventing disability. However, we hope to support workers in their normal roles wherever possible.

Only qualified occupational health physicians who have undertaken further training can carry out clinical assessments for HAVS.

In addition to advising companies regarding a diagnosis of HAVS, we also assess for other musculoskeletal problems or carpal tunnel syndrome which may additionally require a change in exposure to vibration.

We provide contemporaneous reports which take into account advice from the HSE and provide advice regarding risk assessments, to help companies meet their legal obligations regarding HAVS.