Doctor-led health surveillance for workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration, supporting early identification of symptoms associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome and related conditions.
Health surveillance may be required for workers who are regularly exposed to hand-transmitted vibration and are considered at risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
HAVS can affect the circulation, sensation and function of the hands and fingers. Appropriate surveillance aims to identify relevant symptoms at an early stage so that further assessment and workplace action can be considered where necessary.
Marina Medicals can support employers with HAVS surveillance pathways according to the worker’s exposure, previous surveillance history and employer requirements.
Baseline questionnaire-based surveillance for workers before, or when beginning, regular exposure to hand-transmitted vibration.
Repeat questionnaire-based surveillance for exposed workers to identify new or changing symptoms that may require further assessment.
Where screening identifies relevant symptoms or concerns, further occupational-health assessment may be recommended according to the appropriate HAVS surveillance pathway.
Numbness, tingling, altered sensation, reduced dexterity or other symptoms affecting the hands and fingers.
Episodes of finger blanching or other circulation-related symptoms potentially associated with vibration exposure.
Current and previous vibration exposure, tools used, duration of exposure and relevant occupational history.
HAVS health surveillance does not replace control of vibration exposure. It forms part of the employer’s wider arrangements for managing hand-arm vibration risk.
The worker completes the appropriate HAVS surveillance questionnaire according to their stage in the surveillance programme.
New, changing or significant symptoms are identified and assessed to determine whether further occupational-health evaluation is required.
Where indicated, further medical assessment, referral or workplace recommendations can be considered in accordance with the appropriate surveillance pathway.
Send Marina Medicals your workforce requirements, vibration-risk information and existing surveillance arrangements so we can confirm the appropriate assessment pathway.
