Major Contractors Group members will only use independently tested hand powered tools from January 2007

The Major Contractors Group is launching a crackdown on the causes of hand-arm vibration in a bid to improve workers’ health.

The MCG has warned manufacturers that from January its members will only use hand powered tools that have been independently tested by vibration assessor HAVTEC on their sites. It is hoped that the move will accelerate the development of power tools to reduce risks to construction workers.

Vaughan Burnand, chief executive of Shepherd Construction and chairman of the MCG health and safety working group, said: “The MCG is fully committed to this initiative which will help remove much of the uncertainty vibration presents to construction contractors.”