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Two Derbyshire construction companies have been fined for safety breaches after separate investigations looked into cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and hand arm vibration syndrome among their employees.

Sandvik Mining and Construction Ltd and Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners Ltd, both of Swadlincote, Derbyshire, were investigated by the Health and Safety Executive and in both cases it was found that the companies failed to adequately manage the risk to employees from exposure to vibration. This included failing to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for the potential dangers of vibration and failing to make reasonable estimates of employee’s exposure to vibration.

Both companies pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work act 1974. Sandvik Mining and Construction was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246, whereas Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners was fined £280,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246.

Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Edward Walker said: “There is a well-known health risk associated with exposure to hand arm vibration and it is important that measures are put in place to manage the risk. Exposure to hand arm vibration can cause debilitating affects which could have been avoided.”

Hand Arm Vibration syndrome, also referred to HAVS, is brought upon by the frequent or prolonged use of vibrating equipment, and can have painful and upsetting long-term consequences such as:

  • Tingling and numbness in the fingers
  • Loss of strength in the hand and fingers
  • Blanching of the fingers; when the fingers go white temporarily but becoming very red and painful upon recovery

There are clear guidelines available from the Health and Safety Executive, along with many other bodies, about managing the risk of vibration and its harmful effects on employees. The law states that risks from vibration must be controlled, information and suitable training must be provided, and health surveillance should be employed to monitor the health of any employees who could potentially be exposed to dangerous levels of vibration.

If you or someone you love has been affected by exposure to vibration in their workplace, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Contact one of our solicitors today for a free, no obligation discussion about your case and let us see how we can help you get the pay out you deserve. We have worked on a large number of cases of this type, and will swiftly be able to tell you whether you are eligible to claim, and if so, how much your claim could be worth.