What Is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?
Hand-arm vibration is the transfer of vibration from a tool or workplace to a worker’s hands or arms.
The level of hand-arm vibration is determined by measuring the acceleration of the tool or object grasped by the worker.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a disease that involves circulatory disturbances, sensory and motor disturbances and musculoskeletal disturbances.
While it has been known since the beginning of the 20th century that vibration effects the hands and arms, it was not until 1983 that scientists agreed on a definition of HAVS that includes the circulatory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems.