Background to the Vibration Regulations

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 are based on a European Union Directive requiring similar basic laws throughout the Union on protecting workers from risks to their health and safety from vibration. The European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (2002/44/EC) deals with risks f rom vibration at work and is one of several Directives dealing with Physical Agents such as Noise and Vibration. They do not apply to members of the public exposed to vibration from non-work activities.

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require more specific duties compared to earlier general health and safety regulations such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 which still apply. If employers comply with the Vibration Regulations and follow guidance, it may be possible to eliminate any new incidence of disability from hand-arm vibration by 2015. and to stop employees developing advanced stages of these diseases. There are simple, non-technical and common sense measures which can be introduced to reduce exposure to vibration.