ForConstructionPros.com

Studies show there are some 1.5 to 2 million U.S. workers - and millions more worldwide - who are regularly exposed to Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) during their work. Regular HAV exposure has been shown to be inextricably, medically linked to an irreversible, non-curable medical condition of the hands called Raynaud's Phenomenon, Vibration White Finger, or simply Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

For a long time, Europe has been aware of the problem and working toward a solution. There, equipment manufacturers are subject to BSEN5004:2006, a standard that outlines the essential requirements for the design of equipment so as to minimize workers' exposure to HAV. Here in North America, ANSI S2.70 was introduced in 2006, setting forth standards for employers to use as guidance in minimizing workers' exposure to vibration. For its part, ISO5349 provides a measurement template for manufacturers of vibrating equipment, but interpretation of these results is needed by the employer to assess how much usage will be allowable within the ANSI limits.

"There are currently no mandatory regulations that are in effect in the U.S.," notes Fabian Salinas, product manager, concrete and light compaction equipment at Dynapac. "[ANSI] has limits for the time an operator is allowed to use a particular piece of equipment for liability reasons. In Europe, they have strict regulations and requirements for how long an operator can use a particular piece of equipment, based on its HAV rating."

According to Charlie Trelease, president of Tiger Equipment, "Within Europe, there is great emphasis on the health and safety of its workers. While the U.S. has guidance for issues such as lifting regulations, there is really only minimal guidance with regard to the risk of vibration."

The prevalence of HAVS in European workers has led to an increased awareness among employers there. Now, the risk to employees is managed by law and those not following regulations face stringent penalties, not to mention leave themselves open to lawsuits from employees. With this in mind, the U.S. might begin to more strictly regulate HAV in order to minimize employers' liability and prevent lawsuits.

Since HAVS affects equipment operators, and the responsibility for their health and well-being falls on those operators' employers, is this issue relevant to rental businesses? The answer is yes.