P-578 From Tools to Trends: Insights Into Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome From the Uk Reporting Scheme Perspective

Introduction Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) encompasses disorders associated with excessive exposure to vibration, commonly through handheld-powered vibrating tools. HAVS is a potentially disabling but preventable condition which carries a substantial economic burden to individuals and society. Methods This study describes incidence of HAVS reported to the Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity (OPRA) UK scheme between 2004 and 2022. OPRA is a national reporting scheme, part of The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network at the University of Manchester. Estimated cases were weighted and adjusted for temporal changes in reporter numbers. Results 5064 estimated cases were reported to OPRA. 36% of individuals were employed in Manufacturing and 31% in Construction. Incidence rates of HAVS reported to OPRA showed sharp rises up to 2017 followed by steadily decline. Across age groups there were sparse reports in those 16-24 and steady reduction on reporting numbers across ages 35-44 and 45-54. Trends for older age groups (55+) were more sporadic. Discussion The sparsity of data in the 16-24 group likely reflects the latency period in symptom development, whereas the sporadic numbers in older workers perhaps reflect the historic effects of exposure in earlier life prior to introduction of updated legislation and Health and Safety Executive guidance. Conclusion Data is encouraging in that reported cases of HAVS, a preventable condition, appear to be on an overall downward trajectory across most younger age groups. It is hypothesizsed the implementation of legislation, such as the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, and effective health surveillance may have contributed positively to this trend.