Is the law on vibration set to change?

Yes. The European Commission published a new directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to vibration risks in summer 2002. The UK and other Member States have three years to implement it.

Among its key proposals, the Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive:

• Defines new, lower exposure action values of 2.5 m/s2 A (8).
• Sets a maximum exposure limit of 5 m/s2 A (8).
• Requires employers to assess workers' exposure to vibration by observing specific working practices.
• When vibration exposure reaches the action level, employers must implement measures to reduce it to a minimum, and regularly monitor vibration levels.
• Workers must not be exposed to more than the maximum limit value. If they are, employers must take immediate action to reduce exposure to below the limit.

Comparison is often made between noise and vibration, as they often go together. Noise and vibration often come from the same equipment. New measures to protect workers from noise will be introduced in the UK by 2006, in line with the EC Directive. (See our regulations guidance for more information)