Hand Arm Vibration; Network Rail update
Dr Martyn Davidson
CMO NWR
2 Oct 2013
Havs Working Group established
• Support from all areas of the business
• Four workstreams established
• Gap analysis well under way
2
Workstream areas
1. Identification of ‘at risk’ population
2. Small plant management
3. Exposure monitoring and recording
4. Health surveillance and reporting
1. Identification of At Risk Population
Issues
• Existing employees - currently linked to competencies held
• Non specific – invite many employees who may have little/no exposure
Desired Outcomes
• Process for identification of those at risk clearly defined (preferably
with real time exposure recording)
• Tier 1 questionnaire included in pre-placement medical and is prerequisite to obtaining a competency for small plant tools work
• Processes needed for employees with symptoms new to business and
existing employees who change role
4
Current Position
•Current competency data obtained; meeting with Competency
Development Group awaited
•Process started regarding adding prerequisites to
competency training
2. Small Plant Management
Issues
• Current small plant data sheet outdated
• Unclear procurement procedures
• vibration performance changes with tool age, maintenance etc
Desired Outcomes
• Regular update and ownership of small plant data sheet
• Procurement process to include consideration of vibration performance
• Use of this information clarified – guidance only for planning purposes
6
Current Position
• confirm ownership and update process for data sheet
• Meeting with procurement to define purchasing process
• Obtaining data from previous studies, manufacturers data sheets for
comparison
3. Exposure Monitoring and Recording
Issues
• No data regarding individuals actual exposure to vibrating tools
Desired Outcomes
• Real time monitoring to accurately record vibration exposure
8
Current Position
• Possible trial of vibration monitor in Manchester
• Meeting with other companies to learn what monitoring equipment is
currently available
• Paper based trial in one DU
4. Health Surveillance and Reporting
Issues
• Current data unreliable due to lack of clarity of terms, confusion re
outcomes/diagnoses
• New RIDDOR reporting requirements from October 2013
Desired Outcomes
• Defined health surveillance process targeting at risk employees
• Clear data reporting process to incorporate new RIDDOR requirements
• Process in place to investigate new or worsening cases with
strong focus on engineering controls
10
Current Position
• Health surveillance process reviewed; agreed terms/definitions
• Process for reporting all HAVS diagnosis including new and worsening
cases agreed – commencing for start of period 7
• Data cleanse for all YTD data
Any Questions?