Home > ACCIDENTS AND INJURY > HAND-ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME

This fact sheet will give you some basic information about hand-arm vibration.

Please be aware that this is not legal advice and if you are concerned about any of the issues mentioned you should speak to a lawyer.

You can contact Russell Jones & Walker's solicitors at enquiries@rjw.co.uk or call our freephone number 0800 916 9065.

• What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
• What are the symptoms?
• Can it be treated?
• Who is likely to get HAVS?
• Can it be avoided?
• Can I claim compensation?

What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by regular use of vibrating hand-held tools, such as pneumatic drills. It has been known about since the eighteenth century.

HAVS is sometimes called vibration white finger, although this only relates to one of the symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

The greater and more frequent your exposure to vibration, the more severe your symptoms are likely to be. They include:

• Tingling in the hands, sometimes with aching wrists and forearms. The symptoms tend to disappear when the vibration stops.
• Numb fingers with a lack of sensitivity.
• Fingertips turning white when cold due to restricted blood flow and there is painful tingling when blood flow returns.

Attacks may last for up to an hour. The scale of injury is measured using the Stockholm Workshop Scale. The condition can be permanent.

Can it be treated?

Once you have developed the condition, there is little you can do to treat it. Smoking may make symptoms worse, so stopping can help. It is also a good idea to keep your hands warm to maintain a good blood supply to your fingers. But sadly, once your nerves or nerve fibres have been damaged, they can�??t be repaired.

Who is likely to get HAVS?

HAVS is normally suffered by workers in the mining, steel and engineering industries. But anyone doing the following activities may be at risk:

• Using percussive tools, for example riveting, caulking, fettling and swaging
• Grinding, including the use of pedestal and hand-held grinders
• Using pneumatic drills and hammers, including percussive and rotary hammers
• Using chain saws, and other garden machinery.

Can it be avoided?

The best way to avoid suffering from HAVS is for your employer to prevent you from having to use vibrating machinery or limiting your exposure. This could be by modifying the tool or the process, introducing work rotation or minimising the hand-grip on the tool. Regular medical reviews are also important to spot symptoms early.

Can I claim compensation?

Large employers have known of the dangers about HAVS since the 1970s and should have acted to reduce exposure to vibration. If not, they may be found responsible.

To get compensation, you will have to show:

• Your injury is HAVS by getting a report from a medical expert
• Your injury was caused by your employment
• Your employer knew you were at risk
• Your employer failed in their duty to look after you by preventing or reducing the risk.

HAVS can have a big impact on your life, so if you think you have a claim, you should get legal advice as soon as possible.