Bad Vibrations, A new campaign tackling the widespread confusion surrounding Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) has just launched, produced by BSIF (British Safety Industry Federation) — the UK’s Trade Association for the Safety Industry.
BSIF’s Measurement and Instrumentation Special Interest Group — made up of test houses, certification bodies, manufacturers, and distributors— recognised that while there’s plenty of excellent literature on HAVS, it can feel overwhelming to those using the tools and equipment that put them at risk.
Responding to this, the subgroup created an easy-to-understand guide called “Bad Vibrations.” This guide is designed to be accessible to anyone wanting to learn about HAVS without wading through dense technical manuals.

Bad Vibrations dives into:
• What HAVS is and where it occurs
• Which tools are most likely to cause it
• Methods to control exposure in the workplace
• How vibration is measured and quantified
• Relevant standards to be aware of
• Helpful links for those wishing to explore specific aspects in more depth

More than 2 million people are at risk of developing HAVS every year due to repetitive use of vibrating tools. No one should jeopardise their long-term health while doing their job. With the right precautions taken early, this painful and sometimes irreversible condition can be prevented.

BSIF invites you to read Bad Vibrations, learn more about HAVS, and empower yourself with knowledge. It’s not a passing trend — HAVS is real, and so are its potentially serious health impacts. But the good news is, it’s avoidable.
Please share this new campaign with your members, customers and contacts to help spread the valuable information.
Bad Vibrations is available to download here or from the BSIF website www.bsif.co.uk