Noise and Vibration Assessment at Work – M & B Groundbreaking

ACCON carried out a detailed noise at work and a hand arm vibration assessment for M&B Groundbreaking operations to determine whether their employees are exposed to levels of noise or vibration that may cause significant harm to their health.

Through on-site noise measurements we were able to determine the occupational noise and vibration levels experienced by employees within their typical working environment as well as the levels of noise and vibration emanating from individual items of equipment.

These noise and vibration levels were compared to the action levels and limit values described within the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

The noise level assessments identified an exceedance in the regulations and therefore a need for hearing protection to be worn by all operatives involved in site excavation work. An appropriate hearing protector was identified commensurate with the noise levels experienced by operatives on the site.

The measured hand-arm vibration levels exceeded the regulations and therefore ACCON identified a need for M&B Groundbreaking to adopt a management regime to limit the risks associated with prolonged exposure to vibration. This included a review of working practices and a programme of health surveillance for all at risk employees.

Further mitigation and management recommendations were made to reduce the exposure levels of noise and hand-arm vibration of employees.