A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found many workers employed by Nottingham City Homes Ltd had been diagnosed with vibration-related health concerns.

These include Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) from extensive use of power tools which can result in disorders of the nerves, blood supply, joints and muscles of the hands and arms.

The workers affected had until recently been employed by the provider, an arms-length management organisation that managed social housing for Nottingham City Council between 2005 and 2023. Those impacted included bricklayers, joiners, electricians, plasterers and caretakers.

The HSE found that Nottingham City Homes Ltd had not undertaken a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks posed by vibration. Control measures, such as removing the need for vibrating tools or limiting exposure times, had not been properly implemented.

Nottingham City Homes Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £32,000 and ordered to pay £6,226 in costs at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 3 November 2025.

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“The company failed to properly manage this risk which led to employees suffering ill-health – the effects of exposure to vibration can be debilitating and, once damage is done, it is irreversible,” said Tim Nicholson, HSE inspector.

“Employers should take this case as a reminder that HSE will not hesitate to act against companies which do not do all that they should to keep employees safe.”

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Neenu Bains, and paralegal officer Jorge Kemp.

Development Finance Today approached Nottingham City Council for comment, as Nottingham City Homes is a wholly owned subsidiary of the council.

Nottingham City Council provided the following statement: “Nottingham City Homes Ltd fully accepts the court decision on the three offences and fine for the historic health and safety failures which happened between 2010 and 2023.

“NCH would like to acknowledge and apologise for the harm caused to any people affected by Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a result of their time in employment with them.

“Despite the transfer of its maintenance services to Nottingham City Council in April 2023, NCH remained committed to supporting the council with the handover and sharing information to facilitate improvements in response to the HSE.”