Story Highlight
– Nottingham City Homes fined £32,000 for vibration-related illnesses.
– Multiple workers diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.
– HSE found inadequate risk assessment and control measures.
– Long-term vibration exposure can cause debilitating health issues.
– Employers must prioritize worker safety and follow HSE guidance.
Full Story
An East Midlands social housing provider has been penalised with a fine of £32,000 following the identification of multiple cases of vibration-related health issues among its employees, including Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This development has raised concerns regarding workplace safety and the necessity for rigorous health and safety protocols.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) initiated an investigation after receiving over ten reports in quick succession related to health conditions stemming from vibration exposure. The affected workers were formerly employed by Nottingham City Homes Limited, a company that has managed social housing on behalf of Nottingham City Council from 2005 to 2023. The investigation revealed alarming levels of vibration exposure that were prevalent in the daily activities of a large segment of the workforce.
Jobs such as bricklaying, joining, electrical work, plastering, and caretaking typically required extensive usage of power tools, including drills, impact drivers, vibrating plates, and road breakers. Despite the inherent risks posed by these tools, Nottingham City Homes Ltd was found to have insufficiently assessed or managed the vibration exposure faced by its workers.
Continuous and significant exposure to vibration can lead to serious health repercussions, affecting the nerves, blood supply, joints, and muscles of the hands and arms. The resulting conditions, which are collectively identified as HAVS, can manifest in a range of symptoms such as pain, tingling sensations, numbness, and a reduction in grip strength. Such symptoms can severely hinder a person’s ability to perform routine tasks like buttoning clothing or holding utensils.
In the wake of its findings, the HSE underscored the importance of compliance with regulations designed to mitigate vibration risks in the workplace. The agency’s guidance, particularly articulated in the publication “Hand-arm vibration – The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (L140)”, provides practical instructions for employers. This includes tactics for risk assessment, means to control exposure, and comprehensive information on health surveillance requirements.
The HSE’s investigation further highlighted a glaring absence of adequate risk assessments for vibration experiences within the organisation. Control strategies such as substituting the need for high-vibration tools, employing lower vibration alternatives, or minimising exposure durations were not properly enforced. Additionally, the company struggled with maintaining tools and providing necessary health surveillance for its staff. Furthermore, employees did not receive adequate training to understand the potential hazards associated with their work.
On 3 November 2025, at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, Nottingham City Homes Ltd pleaded guilty to violating Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. In addition to the £32,000 fine, the company was also ordered to cover court costs amounting to £6,226.
Tim Nicholson, an HSE inspector, outlined the severity of the situation stating, “Nottingham City Homes Limited exposed its employees to vibration through the use of power tools for a long period of time. The company failed to properly manage this risk which led to employees suffering ill-health – the effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and, once damage is done, it is irreversible.” Nicholson emphasised that clear guidance is available to employers and that non-compliance would not be overlooked by HSE authorities.
The repercussions of this case serve as a severe warning for enterprises that fail to safeguard their employees against identifiable health risks. HSE enforcement lawyer Neenu Bains, along with paralegal officer Jorge Kemp, was instrumental in bringing the prosecution, underscoring HSE’s commitment to enforcing health and safety regulations and protecting workers from preventable conditions.
The HSE continues to be the primary authority in the UK for workplace health and safety, focused on preventing harm and ensuring safer working environments. For organisations and employees seeking further guidance on vibration risk management, comprehensive information can be accessed via the HSE’s resources.
This case is a clear reminder that vibration risk is a serious workplace hazard that can cause permanent harm if not managed properly. Employers must assess exposures, provide low vibration tools and effective maintenance, limit individual vibration dose through task rotation and rest, and ensure health surveillance and training are in place. Fines do not fix injured workers so proactive risk control and early intervention are essential to protect staff and meet legal duties.
This case is a stark reminder that failing to assess and control vibration risks can cause long term harm and unnecessary suffering. Employers must identify tasks that expose workers to vibrating tools, measure or estimate exposure, and use that information to eliminate or reduce risk through safer equipment, tool maintenance, task rotation and effective training. Health surveillance and prompt reporting of symptoms are essential so early intervention can prevent irreversible damage. Compliance with regulations is not just about avoiding fines it is about protecting people.