What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
This condition was previously known as
Vibration White Finger and is an industrial disease caused by the
exposure of the hands to severe vibration from hand-held tools
or pieces of equipment, such as pneumatic drills, chainsaws and grinders.
Compensation Claims
If you employer has put you at risk for this illness when they could have provided
safer system of working to protect you then you could be entitled to claim compensation
for your injuries under their Employer's Liability Insurance Policy. Find out how
our Hand-Arm Vibration
Syndrome Claims Team can help you today.
Key Information:
What causes HAVS?
The constant vibrations causes neurological and vascular symptoms
which are believed to be due to the repeated pressure on the nerves and arteries
of the hands. This condition often affects nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and joints
in the hand, arm and wrist.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome - Symptoms
Symptoms can lay latent for a considerable period of time and include:
- tingling sensation in the fingers
- numbness in the fingertips
- cold sensation in the fingers
- whitening of the fingers
- loss of dexterity
- muscular aches and pains in hands and lower arms
The severity of the condition can vary depending on the length
and level of exposure suffered by the individual. Hand Arm Vibration
Syndrome can affect anyone who has used hand held or operated vibratory tools or
equipment at work over a period of time. Vibration exposure can also lead to carpal
tunnel syndrome (a nerve related illness which causes pain, numbness, tingling,
and general weakness in the hands).
Signs of HAVS/VWF
- Initially fingers are white and cool, then
- Fingers turn blue, and
- Fingers go bright red sometimes causing a pins and needles sensation, throbbing,
pain and numbness
- Damage to muscles, joints and bones making it difficult to grip things
These attacks can vary in length and severity. Sometimes fingers will remain a blueish
colour.
If you believe you have symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or Vibration White
Finger you should contact your GP, report your concerns to your employer and if
relevant your union representative.
Preventing HAVS/VWF
- Ask to use low-vibration tools
- Take regular breaks whilst using vibration tools
- Store tools in a warm environment so they do have very cold handles when used
- Your employer should provide suitable protective clothing
- Be aware that severe temperatures can also affect you when using vibration tools
Claiming compensation for your industrial injury
Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors has a highly experienced occupational disease team
that can help you to claim
compensation for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or Vibration White Finger.
Simpson Millar LLP' specialist team of dedicated and highly skilled
solicitors deal with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome frequently and will advise you
fully and help you to make a compensation claim.
Call our helpline today on 0800 195 4365 or use our free, no obligation,
online enquiry form and we will call you back.
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