Council fined after man suffers hand arm vibration condition | Winston Solicitors Skip to main content
Legal news

Council fined after man suffers hand arm vibration condition

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
1 min read

Cheshire East Council has been fined £5,300 after an employee contracted a severe form of hand arm vibration syndrome.

South Cheshire Magistrates Court heard that the maintenance worker, who has not been named, often used heavy-duty vibrating equipment including pneumatic drills and hand-held grinders. After the council first identified that the worker had developed the problem, he was recommended for annual assessments but after having one in 2006 he was not seen again until three years later.

The council pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches and, as well as the £5,300 fine, was also ordered to pay £5,860 in costs.

Chris Goddard, the investigating inspector at HSE, said: “The worker was first diagnosed as developing hand arm vibration syndrome in 2005 but the council failed to take any significant action for nearly four years to stop the condition getting worse. It should have limited the amount of time he spent using vibrating equipment, or provided alternative tools.”

Almost two million people in the UK work in conditions where they are at an increased risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome. Common symptoms of the condition include difficulty in doing any fine work and being particularly affected by cold weather

hse.gov.uk/press/2011/coi-nw-73cheshireeast.htm?eban=rss-press-release

Client feedback

I found the process easy to follow and was clearly informed of progress at all stages. - February 2025
K O'Connor, Leeds
Leasa and Julie were excellent in helping my partner and I buy our first home. They set out expectations in the first instance, and kept us updated, and it felt as though they really were on our side throughout. Thank you! - February 2025
Patrick S, Tadcaster
Excellent, friendly and professional service, great communication throughout, would highly recommend.
Ms L
Proactive professional service
Robin
This firm of solicitors is professional and complete. Thank you Winston’s.
Rita
In my divorce I dealt with Teresa Davidson and Emily Bell. I found them both at all times to be professional, responsive and compassionate. Based on my experience I would not hesitate to recommend them for any divorce or family law related matter.
Mark
Very good service from AMR.
Sumira
Used winston solicitors now a 2 of my house purchases and will continue to do so. Laura was very professional, quick and made selling a house easy providing clear and detailed instructions through out. Thank you Laura and hopefully will definitely be in touch next time.
Jack