White Finger (HAVS)
What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms caused by vibrating tools. It used to be called 'vibration white finger'. The name was changed to HAVS as other symptoms may occur in addition to white fingers.
What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome?
HAVS is caused by repeated and frequent use of hand held vibrating tools. For example, power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. It has been estimated that up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.
What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome?
Symptoms may include Raynaud's phenomenon (this is the 'white finger' part), nerve symptoms, and muscular aches and pains.
Raynaud's phenomenon ('white finger' symptoms)
Raynaud's phenomenon comes in bouts or 'attacks' that are triggered by cold weather or touching a cold object. A typical bout of Raynaud's phenomenon is as follows.
- At first the fingers go white and cool. This is due to the small blood vessels narrowing (going into spasm).
- They then go a blue-ish colour. This is due to the oxygen being used up from the reduced blood supply of the narrowed blood vessels.
- They then go bright red. This is due to the blood vessels opening up again (dilating) and the return of a good blood flow. This may cause tingling, throbbing and pain.
Some people do not have the full classic colour changes, but still develop bouts of uncomfortable, pale, cold fingers. The duration of each bout of symptoms can last from minutes to hours. The amount of pain or discomfort varies between people. Symptoms usually go after each bout, but one or more blue-ish fingers may persist in the most severe cases.
Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) claims
Clients who may be eligible to claim for have usually worked with the following types of tools for a prolonged period of time :
- Compressed air tools
- Stihl Saws
- Drills
- Road Breakers
- Rotating tools
- Percussive hand guided power tools
- Road Whackers
- Road Construction Tools
Clients that could be eligible for compensation from Vibration White Finger have usually had to work with tools such as the ones listed above for the duration of most of their working day with the tools being used constantly.
A successful claim can be achieved where it can be proved that the employer should have been aware that such conditions would arise due to the working patterns involved, and the length of time that the client was exposed to using vibrating tools.
We at Attwood Solicitors are dedicated to achieve a successful conclusion to all of our compensation cases and have specialists who are available to deal with your individual needs regarding any potential claim for Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), simply use the quick call back form on the right or visit our contacts page.
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For more information or to discuss a case for compensation please don't hesitate to call on '0800 145 5105' alternatively use the contact details below: