18 March 2021 -  With over 30 nationwide infrastructure project in Australia, from Victorian Level Crossing Removal, to Sydney and Brisbane under river and harbour tunnels, to vast mining, energy, rail network and infrastructure works, the issue of HAVs and its impact on employees has become ever more important.

HSE UK - You can develop HAVS within 6 months.
10% of employees exposed at the exposure action level will contract HAVS within 12 years or within 6 years if exposed to the exposure limit level. (HSE)
“Exposure below the Action Value cannot be considered safe...” (HSE)

Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to permanent health effects. This is most likely when contact with a vibrating tool or work process is a regular part of a person’s job.

Launched in 2016, Reactec HAVwear available in Australia from JEA Technologies is a wearable wrist device that monitors in real time an individual’s exposure to vibration when using power tools.

In response to HSE and ISO standards requiring improving management and prevention of HAVS, the Reactec HAVwear wearable device was developed in the UK, with the team at Edinburgh University.

Reactec’ s analytical cloud-based platform  reporting in Real Time to Management allows dynamic risk assessment and exposure reduction.

Hand Arm Vibration (HAVs) is a constant issue that needs Management and Employee  attention when using power tools. Too much, or prolonged exposure to vibration from power tools can lead to lifelong health issues, affecting the hands and fingers.

Sufferers know it as  White Finger, Jack hammer hands, Tingly Fingers syndrome.

Damage caused is wide ranging,  affecting the nerves in the hands which causes tingling and numbness as well as damage to tendons, muscles, bones, and joints.

HAVs is a permanent condition, there is no cure. Prevention is extremely important

The Reactec  HAVWEAR is a personal, wrist mounted Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) monitoring device. HAVWEAR calculates and displays in real-time Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) risk points to inform the wearer of their exposure to vibration.

HAVS effects include:

• Dropping and mishandling of power tools
• Inability to do fine work or everyday tasks (eg fastening buttons);
• Reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions, which would trigger painful finger blanching attacks.
• Reduced tool grip strength and  the ability to do work safely.

HAVwear gives Management and Employees the ability to Monitor exposure in Real time .

What can you do?

• Take regular breaks from using power tools
• Make sure tools are maintained properly
• Make sure the Tool suits the work to be done

For Further information:

Safework Australia

Worksafe Qld

Worksafe New Zealand

HSE UK

JEA Technologies Pty Ltd
Unit 36, 41-49 Norcal Road, Nunawading, Vic 3153
Tel: +61 (3) 8736 0330 / Email