WHILE they’re digging up Worcester’s roads and pavements, Severn Trent Water workers are avoiding vibration white finger thanks to a new safety device fitted to tools.

The HAVmeter, a device created by Scottish firm Reactec that monitors exposure to hand and arm vibration levels, has now been recognised in the Occupational Health Awards and the National Joint Utilities Group Awards.

The technology helps reduce injuries and ailments associated with the excessive use of industrial power tools.

The HAVmeter has now helped Severn Trent Water win the NJUG Safety Award for the water giant’s ongoing drive to reduce hand and arm vibration syndrome among its workers.

James Clutterbuck, director of WHC Hire Services, which provides Severn Trent Water with all of its vibrating construction equipment, said: “There are a lot of devices on the market that claim to reduce injury and monitor the vibration levels that workers are exposed to, but none of them are anywhere near as good as the HAVmeter.

“The beauty of the HAVmeter is that it’s easy to use and it precisely monitors the vibration levels that you’re exposed to. It uses accurate data tailored to each user and, if you get to your limit, the device flashes and you’re done, which greatly reduces the chance of injury.”

The HAVmeter is a small, easy to use device that resembles a standard pager and is used by workers using hand-held tools.