Social housing provider fined after men exposed to risks from vibrating tools
A social housing provider is fined £140,000 following a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Stonewater Limited employed two men as estate assistants who worked at various sites near Tanyard Farm in Coventry.
Between 2018 and 2023, their roles required undertaking ground maintenance activities, grass cutting, hedge trimming, litter picking and weeding. However, the extensive use of lawn mowers, leaf blowers, strimmers and hedge cutters exposed both men to vibration. One of the men estimated that he used this equipment for 90% of his working day.
Dangers of prolonged and regular exposure to vibration
Prolonged and regular exposure to vibration can affect a worker’s health resulting in painful and disabling disorders of the nerves,. Also, the blood supply, joints and muscles of the hands and arms can be affected. These disorders are collectively known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The risk of onset or worsening of HAVS increases with daily exposure and varies widely between individuals.
Tip: HSE guidance on safety can be found here.
Christopher Smith says he’s left unable to pick up his grandchildren.
One of the affected, Christopher Smith, aged 60 from Coventry, said: “I’ve lost my fine motor skills and experience significant difficulty in picking up small objects, using a knife and fork, or even doing up buttons.
“The pain keeps me up at night.
I am unable to pick up my younger grandchildren to hold them. It is not only not having the ability to do this, but I am terrified I will drop them, and I don’t trust myself.”
Failure to undertake a risk assessment in relation to vibration
An investigation by HSE found that Stonewater Limited failed to undertake a risk assessment in relation to vibration. The company did not ensure regular and accurate recording of vibration exposure. As a result, reducing risks from vibration to as low as practicable. There was also no information, instruction or training provided to the employees on vibration. Also, the company had not implemented a suitable system of health surveillance.
Stonewater Limited , pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £140,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,742 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 April 2025.
Lead HSE inspector Charlie Rowe said in Conclusion: “This is a tragic case and the fine imposed on Stonewater Limited underlines that the courts, and HSE, takes failure to follow health and safety regulations extremely seriously.
“HAVS is a serious and disabling health condition, therefore we will not hesitate to take action against employers that fall below the required standard.”
Safety Aide can assist your business regarding Health and Safety, including Risk Assessments, please get in touch on 08000 806 801or email: info@safetyaide.com