This article was updated on 16th June 2022
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is a term that covers all the disorders associated with exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. It used to be known more commonly as Vibration White Finger.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is caused by the repeated, frequent use of tools that vibrate, such as jackhammers, grinders, drills, needle guns and many other hand-held power tools.
While both names are often used interchangeably these days, they’re slightly different. Vibration White Finger tends to refer to the vascular symptoms, causing the whitening to the fingers, whilst HAVS covers all the symptoms that may arise. HAVS is preventable but once the damage is done it is usually permanent.