Tarmac's Report to Society - Health
New system to prevent overuse of vibrating tools
Tarmac has trialled two systems to prevent employees becoming affected by hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS results from damage to small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers caused by the overuse of hand-held vibrating tools, and can cause chronic pain and numbness.
In 2007, Tarmac invested £500,000 in 15 modified mini-excavators developed by JCB. The vehicles have built-in, driver-controlled excavation equipment that reduces the need for hand-held jackhammers.
Tarmac's National Contracting division has also adopted an innovative technology that measures workers' exposure to vibrations over the course of a day. Employees attach a small reader to their hand tools, which measures the length and intensity of vibrations. The reader also uses a lighting system to warn users about the risk of HAVS - green denotes safe working, amber indicates that it is time to stop using the machinery, and red warns of dangerous vibration levels. When they have finished using a tool, employees can transfer the reader to another piece of equipment and record their total, cumulative exposure to vibrations. The recorded information is downloaded to a database, which Tarmac uses to identify trends in vibration exposure and monitor the effectiveness of its efforts to reduce HAVS. The vibration monitors will be introduced into the business during 2008.
Read Tarmac's Health and Safety Policy
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