HAVS Symptom-Recognition Checklist — Free Crew-Check Tool for UK Supervisors
Generate a printable HAVS symptom-recognition checklist for a crew check. Enter your company, site and worker names — the tool builds a per-worker checklist covering each component of hand-arm vibration syndrome and vibration white finger in plain language, with tick boxes and an action line for the supervisor.
Add at least one worker name to generate the checklist.
What the checklist covers
Each HAVS component, in plain language. Any symptom a worker reports is a trigger to refer for health surveillance — see the full symptom guide and when to refer workers.
Vascular (Vibration White Finger)
- Fingertips going white (blanching) in the cold or wet
- Fingers going red and becoming painful on recovery / warming up
- Attacks more frequent or affecting more of the finger over time
Sensorineural (nerves)
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers (including at night / disturbing sleep)
- Not being able to feel things properly with the fingers
- Difficulty with fine work — small components, fastenings, fiddly tasks
Musculoskeletal (grip & strength)
- Loss of grip strength — less able to pick up or hold objects
- Dropping tools or fixings more than usual
Carpal tunnel syndrome (related)
- Tingling, numbness, pain or weakness across the hand (not just fingertips)
Recognition tool only — not a medical diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment are for occupational health professionals. Any reported symptom: refer for health surveillance and review the worker's exposure. Symptom list based on HSE INDG175.
How this tool works
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to provide health surveillance to detect HAVS early. Symptom recognition is the front line of that duty. This checklist groups the symptoms by HAVS component — vascular (vibration white finger), sensorineural (numbness and tingling), and musculoskeletal (grip and strength) — plus related carpal tunnel syndrome, using the symptom descriptions from HSE INDG175. Any symptom a worker reports is a trigger to refer them for health surveillance (Tier 3 clinical assessment) and review their exposure. This is a recognition tool, not a medical diagnosis — diagnosis and treatment are for occupational health professionals. For ongoing digital symptom logging alongside exposure tracking, HAVS·Log keeps it all in one record.
Related Guides
HAVS Symptoms and Vibration White Finger: What Site Supervisors Should Watch For
The early symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome and vibration white finger, explained for supervisors. What to watch for in your crew, the three components of HAVS, and when to refer a worker for health surveillance.
HAVS Health Surveillance: When to Refer Workers and What Records to Keep
When to arrange HAVS health surveillance, how the tier system works, when to refer workers for clinical assessment, and how long records are typically retained.
HAVS Control Measures: How to Reduce Vibration Exposure on Site
Practical control measures for reducing hand arm vibration exposure on UK construction sites. Covers elimination, substitution, tool selection, job rotation, and maintenance.