Device to protect workers against Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Reactec, an Edinburgh-based noise and vibration expert, is to launch an electronic monitoring and protection device to protect against hand arm vibration (HAV) syndrome, which could aid the health and safety of millions of employees.

The company is to launch the HAVmeter which is the world's first device which can measure and record workers' exposure to the syndrome and once a member of staff approaches their legal limit an alarm will sound.

Around 1,000 new cases of workers suffering with the condition are reported to the Health and Safety Executive each year and an estimated two million people are at risk.

Realtec managing director Mark-Paul Buckingham claims the company has invested significant amounts of time and money on the product and consulted with experts from across different sectors during all phases of its development.

"The launch of the HAVmeter means that…organisations can access crucial real-time information on individual exposure rates to hand arm vibration. This means that the health and welfare of workforces across the construction, road and automotive industries can be more closely monitored,"

Hand arm vibration Syndrome can lead to a condition known as 'white finger' as well as leading to permanent numbness in the fingers.