Our Community Spaces team work hard throughout the year to keep customers’ communal areas well-maintained and fresh for customers to enjoy. Sometimes you might see our gardeners using machines like hedge trimmers, strimmers, and lawnmowers.

You might also see that the gardeners using these tools will leave some jobs and come back to them on their next visit.

This can often be because they’re keeping themselves safe from Hand-arm Vibration. Hand-arm Vibration (HAV) refers to the vibration transmitted from tools or machinery such as lawnmowers or strimmers, into a person’s hands and arms.

People who regularly use power tools, vibrating machinery, or equipment with moving parts are more likely to experience this.

Although it might seem harmless in the moment, long-term exposure can lead to Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

HAVS may trigger symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the fingers, whitening of the fingertips in cold weather, and ongoing pain or discomfort.

Keeping gardeners safe

To help keep our gardeners safe, the tools they use are fitted with HAV detection technology that monitors the level of vibration transmitted. If a machine reaches a certain vibration level, the system alerts the user so they can stop and prevent over‑exposure.

Our team also helps reduce the risk of HAV by rotating tasks, limiting time spent using high‑vibration tools, and avoiding long periods of repetitive work.

They also wear gloves to keep their hands warm and ear defenders to dampen the noise.

If you also use tools or machinery that produce vibration, it’s important to limit how long you use them and to ensure you’re wearing suitable protective equipment, such as gloves and ear defenders, to help reduce the risk of HAV.

Spotted something in your communal area that needs our attention? Head over to our Get in Touch page and let us know.