SHORT REPORT |
Delivery of health surveillance for hand–arm vibration in the West Midlands
Church Road, 1 Park House, Snitterfield, Nr Stratford Upon Avon CV37 0LE, UK
Background Concerns about provider competence and quality of hand–arm vibrations (HAVs) health surveillance programmes were identified by Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors.
Aims To evaluate health surveillance programmes and compare them with published HSE guidance. To identify deficiencies and areas for improvement in the health surveillance programmes.
Methods A proforma was developed for the study and used on a sample of 10 local occupational health providers.
Results All 10 organizations were aware of current HSE guidance for health surveillance for HAVs but only a minority (30%) were following it. Occupational health provider training, written procedures and health surveillance delivery were all identified as areas requiring improvement.
Conclusions The majority of organizations were not following HSE guidance. Occupational health providers undertaking health surveillance for HAV require specific training.
Keywords Competence; hand–arm vibration; health surveillance
Correspondence to: Mary Kinoulty, Church Road, 1 Park House, Snitterfield, Nr Stratford Upon Avon CV37 0LE, UK. Tel: +44 17 8973 0365; e-mail: mary.kinoulty{at}hse.gsi.gov.uk