A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation has led to a social housing provider in the East Midlands having been fined after multiple employees developed serious health conditions linked to long-term use of vibrating tools. It began investigating after receiving more than ten reports of vibration-related ill-health from the company’s workforce over a short period. Those affected included bricklayers, joiners, electricians, plasterers, and caretakers, many of whom regularly used power tools such as drills, impact drivers, vibrating plates and road breakers.
Nottingham City Homes Limited, which managed social housing on behalf of Nottingham City Council between 2005 and 2023, was ordered to pay £32,000 in fines and £6,226 in costs at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 3 November 2025. The company admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
What Went Wrong
HSE inspectors found that Nottingham City Homes had failed to properly assess and control its employees’ exposure to vibration. Although many of its workers relied heavily on vibrating tools, the company did not take sufficient steps to manage this risk.
Key failings included:
- Inadequate risk assessment of vibration exposure.
- Lack of control measures, such as limiting tool use, switching to lower-vibration equipment, or eliminating the need for vibrating tools where possible.
- Poor tool maintenance and inadequate health surveillance.
- Insufficient training for workers on the risks of vibration and how to protect themselves.
HSE’s Response
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Tim Nicholson said:
“Nottingham City Homes Limited exposed its employees to vibration through the use of power tools for a long period of time.
The company failed to properly manage this risk which led to employees suffering ill-health, the effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and, once damage is done, it is irreversible.
There is extensive guidance available that is straightforward to follow and includes calculation tools to assist in deciding what is needed to protect employees.
Employers should take this case as a reminder that HSE will not hesitate to act against companies which do not do all that they should to keep employees safe.”
What Employers Can Learn
The HSE offers detailed guidance to help employers manage vibration risks, including:
- How to assess exposure levels.
- Control measures to reduce risk.
- Information on health surveillance and employee protection.
This can be found in the publication Hand-arm vibration, The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (L140).
In reflection, this case serves as a strong reminder that employers have a legal and moral duty to protect workers from preventable harm. Proper risk assessment, maintenance, training and health surveillance are not optional; they’re essential to safeguarding employees’ health and preventing irreversible damage. HSE guidance can be found here.
