Social housing management firm fined for failing to protect workers
An East Midlands social housing provider is fined £32,000 after several workers are diagnosed with vibration related health conditions. This includes Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
HSE launched an investigation after receiving more than ten reports of vibration related ill-health in a short time period. The workers had been employed by Nottingham City Homes Limited, who managed social housing on behalf of Nottingham City Council.
The HSE investigation found a large number of the company’s employees were exposed to vibration in their everyday work. These included bricklayers, joiners, electricians, plasterers, caretakers and others – , all including extensive use of power tools. These ranging from drills and impact drivers to vibrating plates and road breakers, over an extended period of time. Despite this, and the dangers exposure can cause, the company had not properly assessed or controlled worker’s exposure to vibration.
Prolonged and regular exposure to vibration can affect a worker’s health resulting in disorders of the nerves, blood supply, joints and muscles of the hands and arms. These disorders are collectively known as HAVS and symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness and loss of strength. HAVS can make everyday tasks such as fastening buttons or holding utensils difficult or impossible.
Tip: HSE guidance, available here, and in the HSE publication Hand-arm vibration – The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (L140) (PDF) (PDF) , sets out practical guidance to help employers protect their employees and fulfil their legal obligation to control vibration risks. The guidance includes advice on the assessment of risk, ways to control exposure, and in-depth information about health surveillance.
Investigation finds failures for suitable and sufficient assessment
The HSE investigation also found that the company had not undertaken a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks posed by vibration. Control measures, such as removing the need to use vibrating tools, using lower vibration alternatives, or limiting exposure times, had not been properly implemented. Tool maintenance and health surveillance arrangements were inadequate, and employees had not received sufficient training on the risks that they faced.
Nottingham City Homes Limited, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £32,000 and ordered to pay £6,226 in costs at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 3 November 2025.
HSE inspector said: “Nottingham City Homes exposed employees to vibration from prolonged power tool use..
“Failure manage power tool vibration has led to employees suffering ill-health – effects of exposure to vibration is debilitating ,irreversible.
“There is extensive guidance available, straightforward to follow, including calculation tools assisting in deciding what is needed to protect employees.
“Employers should take this case as a reminder that HSE will act against companies which do not keep employees safe.”
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