Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome & Vibration White Finger

What is Vibration White Finger / Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome?

Vibration White Finger (VWF) and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) are conditions caused by long-term use of vibrating hand-held tools, such as drills, grinders, and chainsaws. Over time, exposure to vibration can lead to damage in the blood vessels, nerves, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. Symptoms can include:

• Numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation
• Pain and reduced grip strength
• Blanching (whitening) of fingers, especially in cold weather
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Limited range of motion and dexterity

These symptoms can make simple, everyday tasks painful and difficult, limiting your ability to work or pursue hobbies and causing a significant loss in quality of life.

Causes of Vibration White Finger (VWF) /  Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), in Northern Ireland

Vibration White Finger (VWF), or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), is a condition caused by prolonged and repeated exposure to hand-held vibrating tools. In Northern Ireland, industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture have higher risks of VWF, given the nature of the tools and machinery used in these sectors.

Common Causes of VWF in Northern Ireland Workplaces:

Use of Power Tools: Prolonged use of vibrating power tools like jackhammers, chainsaws, grinders, and sanders is one of the primary causes of VWF. These tools transmit strong vibrations through the hands, wrists, and arms, causing damage to blood vessels, nerves, and tissues over time.

Heavy Machinery Operation: Workers operating heavy machinery, such as excavators, compactors, or earth-moving equipment, are exposed to consistent vibrations. Over time, these vibrations can lead to the development of VWF.

Construction Work: Northern Ireland’s construction sector frequently relies on vibrating tools for cutting, drilling, grinding, and breaking materials. Workers who frequently use these tools without sufficient breaks or proper protective equipment are at a high risk of developing VWF.

Agricultural Work: Farmers and agricultural workers are often exposed to vibrating equipment, such as chainsaws and tractors, which can contribute to VWF. The repetitive nature of tasks like logging, soil preparation, and machinery operation adds to the risk.

Manufacturing and Engineering: In manufacturing and engineering environments, workers frequently handle pneumatic drills, polishers, and other vibrating tools. Without sufficient precautions, these workers can experience nerve and blood vessel damage leading to VWF.

Preventing Vibration White Finger (VWF) /  Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS),  in the Workplace

In Northern Ireland, employers have a responsibility to protect workers from the risks associated with vibrating tools. This includes providing proper training, offering anti-vibration gloves, ensuring regular breaks, and implementing control measures to limit exposure. When these steps are not taken, workers can be left with long-term health impacts, which may entitle them to compensation.

MMC Legal are here to support those impacted by VWF, helping workers understand their rights and pursue claims against negligent employers.   We can talk you through your occupational history and provide expert legal guidance.

Simple Steps to Start Your White Finger Vibration Claim

Contact MMC Legal: Fill out our quick enquiry form, or call us directly for a free consultation.  Our expert team will quickly evaluate your case and advise you if you have good prospects of success.

Claim Submission: We will file your claim and handle all the legal processes, keeping you informed at every stage.

Financial Compensation: If successful, we’ll ensure you receive your compensation promptly.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive for Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

The amount of compensation for Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) depends on the severity of your condition and the impact it has on your life, both at work and in personal activities.   The loss of earnings and loss of future earnings are generally a significant factor but in terms of the compensation for pain and suffering of the condition alone, it can be categorised into 3 different groupings:

1. Severe:

For individuals experiencing extensive blanching (whitening) in most fingers, with frequent and severe episodes in both summer and winter, the impact is significant enough to require a change in occupation to avoid further exposure. In such cases, compensation may range from £25,000 to £42,500.

2. Moderate:

This category covers cases where there is blanching in one or more fingers, accompanied by numbness. Symptoms typically appear only in colder months and may cause mild disruption in home and social life but do not necessitate a career change. Compensation for moderate cases generally ranges from £15,000 to £25,000.

3. Minor:

For minor cases, where there may be blanching in one or more fingertips with possible tingling and numbness, the symptoms are less intense and usually manageable without major lifestyle adjustments. Compensation for minor cases is typically up to £15,000.

Our experienced team at MMC Legal can help assess your case to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your condition.