HSE | A car dealership franchise in Devon and Cornwall has been fined over £200,000 after two workers were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.
The two employees were diagnosed in November 2022 following prolonged vibration exposure at Rowes Garage Ltd’s bodyshop in Truro. They regularly used tools such as sanders and reciprocating saws and reported blanching and numbness, especially in cold weather.
HSE found the company had no adequate arrangements to assess or monitor vibration exposure, lacked suitable risk assessments, failed to inform or train employees, and did not act on reported symptoms. Rowes Garage Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £204,000 plus £8,099 costs.
HSE inspector Emma O’Hara said these failings fell below expected standards and highlighted the serious and disabling nature of HAVS.
