Vibration White Finger is an industrial disease which is experienced by many manual workers using vibrating machinery, such as power drills or chain saws, or even sewing machines, as a regular part of their job.
Symptoms of Vibration White Finger
Its also known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) due to the increased knowledge about the condition. Victims do not only suffer with the so called ‘white finger’ but also other symptoms such as:
- Tingling/numbness in the fingers
- Aching through the finger and even up through the arms
- In more serious cases, there can be a complete loss of feeling in the fingers, and even up into the hand.
Employers’ duty
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from risks to their health and safety. The duties of your employer with respect to their employees exposure to vibrations is encapsulated within The Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations 2005.
The full details of this act need not be the topic for discussion in this blog – but it is necessary to mention as any employer with employees using vibrating machinery should have a good knowledge of it, or injuries can occur.
Preventative measures
There are actions which can be taken by you and your employer to reduce your risk of getting Vibration White Finger. This can include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is equipment which can be used or worn by you to reduce the risks to your health and safety. It must be of note, however, that PPE should only be used as a last resort – if any other measures can be taken which would be better at protecting you, these should be the first course of action.
With regards to Vibration White Finger, an employer may issue equipment such as anti-vibration gloves to protect your hands from the vibrations. Other measures can be to ensure you have regular breaks, or to diversify your work load as much as possible, so you are not always using the vibrating machinery. Employers should also ensure all machinery is maintained properly, and also the correct machinery is being used for the correct job.
If you have any questions about a potential compensation claim for Vibration White Finger then please do not hesitate but to call 0800 634 7575 to get your claim started today.
