Vibration White Finger
Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Vibration White Finger is sometimes called Raynaud's Phenomenon or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). It is a "dose" related condition which can sometimes be linked to hearing loss - as the vibrating tools causing vibration white finger are often noisy. It occurs after prolonged use of vibrating tools. Raynaud's Phenomenon can also be constitutional - particularly amongst women.
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Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) covers vascular disorders. Vibration White Finger also causes impaired blood circulation and "blanching" of the affected fingers and parts of the hand. It also can cover neurological and muscular damage causing numbness, tingling in the hands, reduced strength, dexterity and sensitivity to temperature.
The symptoms divide between (a) the vascular blanching of fingers and (b) the neurological tingling and numbness in the fingers / hands. These symptoms are similar to Raynaud's Phenonenon - which in itself is suffered by 5/10% of the population. The condition is also associated with others such as rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases - even frostbite.
The severity of the Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is measured using either the "Taylor-Pelmear" and the "Stockholm Workshop" scales.
Prevention of Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Prevention of Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) include education, information and training, screening, a health programme and minimisation of the exposure to vibration by rest, work rotation and maintenance of vibrating tools.
The factors determining the injury are the level or magnitude of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration and the daily "dose".
The main tools involved are chipping hammers, riveting hammers, rock drills, jack hammers, road breakers, disc sanders, hand held sanders and rotary drills.
The length of time of the past exposure and potential future exposure ought to be taken into account when assessing the risk of injury. The damage itself is caused by continuous exposure - and when that exposure affects and damages the blood supply to the fingers and nerve endings. The symptoms are short lived initially, but progress to longer attacks, becoming more disabling.
Gangrene can set in. The effects start at the tips of the fingers spreading up but the thumb is not normally affected - but if it is, the condition is well advanced.
Gloves are likely to assist. Anti-vibration gloves are somewhat controversial and certain Doctors do not consider that they assist at all to reduce the vibration felt in the fingers and hands.
How much is Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Worth?
How much are claims for Vibration White Finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) worth? This turns upon the seriousness of the injury. Awards for damages for pain and suffering (excluding financial losses - which can be substantial) can be in the region of of £23,000
The "date of knowledge" of employers is generally taken as the 1st of January 1976 - after the publication of the work "Vibration White Finger in Industry" and after the issuing of the Bristish Standard DD43.
Where there has been exposure caused by a number of employees, the contribution of each employer to the overall condition has to be assessed - and damages payable, apportioned. This assumes though, that each employer can be held liable for the development of the condition.
Click Accident - Industrial Injuries Solicitors - for Industrial Disease Compensation, and Workplace Accidents
We will be happy to advise and assist you in respect of any possible vibration white finger claim.
Click Accident - Industrial Injuries Solicitors - for Industrial Disease Compensation, andWorkplace Accidents
If you have developed vibration white finger, contact us to make a claim.
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