The tools are widely used, not only in construction but also arboriculture and gardening, plumbing, heating and ventilation, carpentry and joinery, fabrication and vehicle repairs.
Anyone who uses a machine vibrating between 5Hz and 20Hz could be affected.
Typical tools include powered hammers for riveting, compactors, concrete breakers, sanders, drills, grinders and other rotary tools, timber and wood machining tools such as chain saws, hand held saws, mowers and strimmers – and many more.
Injuries where the nerves have been damaged cannot be treated and therefore the effects are irreversible.
Employers have a general legal duty to manage the risks from vibration under the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989, although there are no specific legal requirements relating to exposure to vibration in the workplace.
Although anti-vibration gloves are available, these do not filter out the frequencies which harm human tissue.
Employers are being asked to assess the risk and minimise it by investing in the smoothest tools, maintaining them properly, ensuring job rotation and breaks, and keeping hands warm by wearing gloves.
Workers should be encouraged to report any symptoms.
