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Occupational Health

Workplace Vibrations: Hand-Arm, Whole Body, HSE Prevention

Exposure to vibrations (pneumatic tools, machinery) causes vascular (Raynaud's syndrome), neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Regulations set exposure thresholds and require prevention.

IICP HSE Academy Published on 19 October 2026 6 min read 15 views
Vibrations — Main-bras et corps entier

Occupational Vibrations: Hand-Arm and Whole-Body, HSE Prevention

Exposure to vibrations (pneumatic, machinery) causes vascular (Raynaud's syndrome), neurological, and osteo-articular disorders. Legislation sets exposure limits and mandates preventive measures.

Exposure to occupational vibrations is a major physical hazard for workers using rotating or percussive tools and for machinery operators. A distinction is made between hand-arm vibrations (HAV) and whole-body vibrations (WBV), which lead to different pathologies.

Types of Vibrations

Hand-Arm Vibrations (HAV)

Transmitted through the handles of portable tools:

  • Breakers, concrete breakers;
  • Grinders, sanders;
  • Chainsaws, brush cutters;
  • Pneumatic nailers and screwdrivers.

Whole-Body Vibrations (WBV)

Transmitted via the seat or the floor:

  • Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers);
  • Agricultural tractors;
  • Forklifts;
  • Trucks and transport vehicles.

Effects on Health

Hand-Arm

  • Raynaud's Syndrome (white finger): Paroxysmal vascular disorder of the fingers triggered by cold.
  • Neuro-sensory disorders: Tingling, loss of fine sensitivity.
  • Osteo-articular disorders: Wrist, elbow, and shoulder osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Whole-Body

  • Lumbago: Main pathology (intervertebral discs).
  • Digestive and urinary disorders in cases of prolonged exposure.
  • Long-term degradation of the spine.

Regulatory Thresholds (EU)

The Directive 2002/44/EC of 25 June 2002 (on vibrations) sets two thresholds:

  • Hand-arm: Action value of 2.5 m/s²; Limit value of 5 m/s².
  • Whole-body: Action value of 0.5 m/s²; Limit value of 1.15 m/s².

Beyond the action value, the employer must implement a reduction program. The limit value must never be exceeded.

In the United States, the OSHA has no specific standard on vibrations; employers are covered by the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) OSH Act) and may refer to the recommendations of the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) and the NIOSH.

Prevention

Reduction at the Source

  • Selection of tools with low vibration (integrated anti-vibration);
  • Regular maintenance: sharpening, balancing;
  • Suspension seats and damped cabs for machinery;
  • Reduction of exposure duration (job rotation).

PPE

  • Anti-vibration gloves: Limited effectiveness, supplementary only.
  • Anti-vibration insoles for whole-body exposure.

Training and Surveillance

  • Training for workers on the proper use of tools;
  • Enhanced medical surveillance;
  • Vibration measurements according to ISO 5349 (hand-arm) and ISO 2631 (whole-body).

Sources et références

  1. Code du travail marocain (Loi n° 65-99), Titre IV — articles 281 et suivants (principes généraux de prévention applicables aux vibrations) ILO NATLEX : https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=67319

  2. INRS — Vibrations (URL vérifiée le 24/10/2026) https://www.inrs.fr/risques/vibrations.html

  3. OSHA — Technical Manual OTM Section II Chapter 3 — Health Hazards (mention des vibrations, mais OSHA n'a PAS de norme spécifique) https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-2-health-hazards/chapter-3

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