By Kathryn Boyd

What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is an industrial injury which mainly affects people who operate vibrating power tools as part of their job. The condition was more commonly known as Vibration White Finger (VWF) in the past. It is now more commonly referred to as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) as it has been identified that there are more symptoms related to the condition than just having white fingers.

How does Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome develop?

People most at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) are those who regularly use tools and machines such as;

• Concrete breakers, concrete pokers;
• Hammer drills;
• Sanders, grinders, disc cutters;
• Hammer drills;
• Chipping hammers;
• Chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers,
• Powered mowers;
• Scabblers or needle guns for long periods of time.

There are a vast number of tools that can cause ill health through exposure to vibration and the above list is not exhaustive. Your employer is under a duty to protect you from injury at work, if you have been diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome as a result of your exposure to vibratory tools at work, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

What are the early signs and symptoms to look out for?

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome can seriously affect the lives of individuals and their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, the symptoms can become severely debilitating if ignored. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome affects the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles in the arms, hands and wrists of the person and can cause the following symptoms;

• Tingling and numbness in the fingers
• Not being able to feel things with your fingers
• Loss of strength in your hands
• In the cold and wet, the tips of your fingers going white then red and being painful on recovery

The symptoms experienced may cause sleep disturbance and if you continue to use high-vibration tools these symptoms they could get worse, for example, you may struggle when picking up small objects.
 

Making a claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

 If you think that you or someone that you know may suffer from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) then you can contact a member of our industrial disease team for a free no obligation discussion. At Asons Solicitors all out claims are run on a No win No Fee basis and we will endeavour to recover the compensation that you deserve.

To discuss a potential claim further please contact 0844 850 1062 

   Making a claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Making a claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Making a claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)