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09 May 20222 minute read

Council fined £50,000 for employee HAVS

ECAtoday
Council fined £50,000 for employee HAVS

Lancashire County Council has been fined £50,000 after several employees developed hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) while working on site.

HAVS is a debilitating nerve condition that develops as a result of excessive exposure to vibration, typically from power tools.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that, in February 2019, HSE received a RIDDOR report from Lancashire County Council, relating to the diagnosis of a case of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVs).

HSE’s subsequent investigation found that there had been insufficient supervision and monitoring by the council to ensure that operatives accurately recorded their levels of exposure to vibration.

Lancashire County Council pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,366,78.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jennifer French, said: “HAVs can be a serious and sometimes disabling condition that is irreversible.

“All employers have a duty to provide effective measures to ensure the health of their staff are not seriously or permanently harmed by the work they are asked to do. HSE is committed to thoroughly investigating companies who do not comply with their duties and will prosecute if necessary.”

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