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Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS) Tier 4 medicals in Norwich and East Anglia

Dr Sean Holt was trained in 2018 to perform Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS) Tier 4 medicals by HSE (Health & Safety Executive) at the HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton.

Fees

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS) Tier 4 Medical £250

Availability

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at Thorpe End Clinic.
To book an appointment or make an enquiry please call 07768007960 or email seanholtclinic@icloud.com. Alternatively you can send us a message here.

FAQs

Who needs a Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS) Tier 4?
The Control of Hand Arm Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (the Vibration Regulations), came into force on 6 July 2005 and aim to protect workers from risks to health from vibration.

HAVS may occur in workers using tools which exposes them to vibration. Prolonged and regular exposure to this vibration can affect the worker’s health, and once the damage is done – it is usually permanent.
The risks from vibration can be controlled, and workers can be protected from ill health issues. Employers have a legal duty to manage these risks and to report confirmed cases of HAVS and vibration-induced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 RIDDOR). Latest HSE statistics imply nearly 2 million people are at risk with there are 288,000 sufferers in the UK.

Vibration syndrome has adverse affects for the circulation and nerves supply. There are 3 main symptoms:
1. Sensation issues, such as tingling and numbness in the fingers
2. Poor circulation in the hands and particularly the fingers.
3. Nerve (including carpal tunnel syndrome), bone and joint damage.

In its early stages symptoms are minor, and soon wear off after the vibration stops. Control at these early stages prevents the onset of more severe symptoms which can cause disability, loss of employment. Health screening can advise you at each step in the process and can help you develop a suitable HAVS screening programme.

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations introduces a detailed “Tier system” for HAVS assessments:
• Tier 1: An initial assessment prior to the employee starts work with vibrating tools

• Tier 2: An annual assessment via a questionnaire made by the worker.
Anybody disclosing symptoms during Tier 1 or 2 reviews should then be subject to further more detailed assessment.

• Tier 3: A ‘qualified health professional’ administers a comprehensive and detailed questionnaire and carries out a range of clinical tests. Those with the appropriate symptoms and history progress to the next tier.

• Tier 4: This assessment will be carried out by an appropriately trained HAVS qualified doctor. The consultation consists of a detailed history, assessment of symptoms and signs of HAVS and then followed by a detailed examination. This is the stage where a formal diagnosis of HAVS or other conditions may be made. Based on this assessment we will then be able to advise on further surveillance; adjustments; restrictions or recommend limits to exposure.

Advice for employers: https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/advicetoemployers/index.htm

Providing health surveillance: https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/advicetoemployers/healthsurveillance.htm

Please note:
• Any such formal diagnosis of HAVS or associated conditions when working with vibration must be reported by the employer under RIDDOR 1995.

• If there are any further investigations; reports or referrals (to other health care professionals or Tier 5), these would incur an extra charge and you would be advised prior to any work being undertaken.