HAVS Surveillance & Assessment Pathway for Employers

The HAVS surveillance pathway

Health surveillance for vibration exposure is usually carried out in stages.
Each stage answers a different question.

Tier 1 — Baseline questionnaire before exposure
Tier 2 — Annual screening questionnaire
Tier 3 — Nurse assessment after symptoms reported
Tier 4 — Doctor assessment and fitness decision

Most employees only ever need Tier 1 and Tier 2 screening.
Tier 4 is only required if symptoms or abnormal findings are identified.

Routine screening (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

Employers use screening to detect early symptoms in workers using vibrating tools such as grinders, breakers and sanders.

Screening helps to:

• Identify early symptoms

• Prevent progression of HAVS

• Demonstrate compliance with vibration regulations

• Decide when further assessment is needed

👉 HAVS Screening Service: /havs-screening

When symptoms are reported

If an employee reports tingling, numbness or finger blanching during screening, further assessment is needed.

This does not automatically mean HAVS is present — but employers need clinical advice to manage exposure safely.

At this stage workers are usually referred for clinical assessment.

Clinical assessment (Tier 4)

A Tier 4 assessment is carried out by an occupational health physician and determines:

• Whether HAVS is present

• Whether vibration exposure should continue

• What restrictions are required

👉 Tier 4 HAVS Medical Assessments: /tier-4-havs

Why HAVS surveillance matters

HAVS develops gradually. Early identification allows exposure to be controlled before permanent symptoms occur.

A structured surveillance programme helps employers:

• Protect employees

• Reduce long-term risk

• Make defensible occupational decisions

Need advice?

If you are unsure which stage applies, contact us and we will help guide the appropriate next step.

Email: admin@pemshealth.co.uk