Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a health and safety compliance issue and a strategic business risk. With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) increasing enforcement and issuing substantial fines, the failure to address HAVS now comes with very real consequences: reputational damage, financial liability, and boardroom accountability.
HSE Crackdown: Real-World fines for HAVS failures
In 2025 alone, several UK companies across different sectors have been prosecuted for failing to control exposure to vibration. These cases highlight recurring failures in risk assessment, exposure monitoring, training, and health surveillance:
£100,000 Fine — Chemical Manufacturer
A chemical manufacturer in the West Midlands was fined after nine employees developed HAVS over a 14-year period. An HSE investigation found no adequate risk assessments, no health surveillance, and no training in place, despite workers using tools like grinders and road breakers for civil maintenance tasks.
“Once damage is done, it is irreversible… The effects can make it difficult or impossible to do things like hold a pen or use a knife and fork.”
– HSE Inspector Claire Coleman
£140,000 Fine — Social Housing Provider
A social housing provider in Coventry was prosecuted after two estate assistants developed HAVS from extensive use of lawn mowers, strimmers, and hedge trimmers — one estimating 90% of his working day was spent using vibrating tools. The HSE found no vibration risk assessments, no exposure records, and no employee training.
“The pain keeps me up at night… I’m terrified I’ll drop my grandchildren.”
– Christopher Smith, affected employee
£204,000 Fine — Car Dealership
A Car dealership in Devon and Cornwall was fined for exposing two bodyshop workers to vibration from hand tools such as sanders and saws. The company failed to monitor exposure, ignored reported symptoms, and took no action to reduce risks.
These recent prosecutions reflect a clear trend in HSE enforcement and an expectation that organisations take active, evidence-based steps to protect workers from HAVS.
Understanding HAVS: A permanent risk
HAVS is caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools such as grinders, drills, strimmers, and mowers. It can lead to permanent damage in the hands and arms numbness, tingling, loss of grip, and chronic pain. In severe cases, workers lose the ability to carry out skilled tasks or basic activities like buttoning a shirt or holding a cup.
Despite long-standing regulations, over 2 million workers in the UK remain at risk. Many cases go undetected for years because symptoms develop gradually and are often dismissed or under-reported.
This delay between exposure and diagnosis makes HAVS particularly dangerous and particularly invisible to boardrooms, unless proactive monitoring systems are in place.
HAVS as a strategic issue
Meeting the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 is just the starting point. The most forward-thinking organisations are now embedding HAVS into their strategic planning, alongside environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and workforce wellbeing.
This shift recognises that preventing HAVS isn’t just about avoiding penalties, but it’s about:
- Reducing absenteeism and long-term disability claims
- Protecting productivity and skilled labour
- Building a safety-first, values-led culture
- Demonstrating leadership to regulators, insurers, and investors
What senior leaders should be asking
To effectively address HAVS risk at a strategic level, boards should be seeking answers to questions like:
- Do we have accurate vibration exposure data, or are we relying on outdated estimates?
- Is HAVS risk visible in our board-level reporting or buried in operational data?
- Are tool procurement, maintenance, and training budgets being aligned with vibration risk management?
Without visibility and accountability at the top, HAVS risk will remain under-managed until it becomes a legal and financial crisis.
How digital tools can help prevent HAVS
Digital technologies are now making it easier than ever to manage HAVS proactively and effectively. Organisations can use:
Wearable monitoring devices
Real-time vibration exposure can now be tracked by worker and task. Alerts notify workers and supervisors before exposure limits are exceeded. These tools are most effective when paired with central reporting platforms like AssessNET, which allow exposure data to be integrated into risk registers and safety dashboards.
Connected tools and smart equipment
Modern vibrating tools come equipped with sensors that transmit usage data directly to digital systems, enabling precise tracking of exposure by task, site, or user. This data feeds into holistic risk management platforms such as AssessNET, helping build a reliable, evidence-based view of operational risk.
Keeping people safe and well at work is our passion.
Our flagship Health and Safety software, AssessNET is used by organisations across the UK and globally to reduce risk by streamlining compliance processes, gathering better safety data and providing total visibility on the performance of risk management initiatives at a strategic level.
Predictive analytics and reporting
AI-driven platforms can analyse usage patterns to identify high-risk behaviours or recurring exposure issues. This enables smarter scheduling, better tool allocation, and earlier interventions, reducing harm before it happens.
Mobile reporting apps
Frontline reporting is crucial. With AssessNET’s mobile app, workers can easily report hazards, or unsafe tool conditions on the go. It also allows on-site risk assessments, empowering managers to make quick, informed decisions in the field.
Conclusion
HAVS is a preventable condition. But prevention only works when leadership takes ownership through investment, visibility, and cultural change.
The HSE has made it clear: enforcement will continue, and penalties will rise. Leaders who act now won’t just avoid fines they’ll build safer, stronger, and more sustainable businesses.
