Vibration White Finger

What is vibration white finger?

Workers who frequently and repeatedly use hand held vibrating tools may be at risk of developing vibration white finger (VWF) where the effect of the vibration can cause damage to tendons, nerves, muscles and joints. Collectively, these effects are known as "Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome" (HAVS).

Workers suffering from VWF may have the following symptoms :-

• whitening (blanching) and cooling of one or more fingers;
• tingling and numbness in the fingers;
• loss of sensation in the fingers causing problems in performing fine tasks;
• pain in the fingers and later in the hand and lower arm;
• loss of grip strength;

Initially, the symptoms may develop in only one finger and may be mild and intermittent. Stopping work with vibrating tools when symptoms are mild may prevent them from worsening. The development of VWF/HAVS is gradual and increases over time. Symptoms tend to be worse in cold weather and in extreme cases several fingers can turn white.

Who is at risk of developing VWF?

Workers who regularly use hand-held vibrating tools and equipment over a period of time are at risk of developing VWF. The types of equipment likely to cause symptoms of VWF include :-

• hammer drills, jiggerpicks, pneumatic drills
• chainsaws
• concrete breakers
• vibrating pokers
• sanders and angle grinders
• hammer drills
• jigsaws
• vibratory compactors

What are the factors that can influence the effect of VWF?

The following factors are thought to contribute towards the development of symptoms in workers who use vibrating tools :-

• grip force - tools should be held as loosely as possible
• the hardness of the material being worked upon
• position of the hand and arm relative to the body
• protective practices and equipment including gloves, work-rest periods
• tool maintenance
• smoking - smokers have a greater susceptibility to the disease
• the temperature of the work place
• training - the way in which tools are used can affect the risk
• health surveillance - those at risk of developing VWF should have their health monitored at regular intervals
How much exposure to vibration is needed to cause VWF?

As with many occupational diseases the length of exposure before symptoms develop varies from individual to individual. It is estimated that up to one in ten people who regularly work with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.

The law

If you have been exposed to vibration at work after 1975 and have developed VWF/HAVS you may be entitled to compensation.

Please contact us for further information.