Vibration White Finger

Vibration white finger is a recognised industrial disease affecting tens of thousands of workers. Contact us today to start your claim.

Vibration White Finger (VWF)

Vibration white finger (VWF), also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or more colloquially ‘dead finger’ is a recognised industrial disease affecting tens of thousands of workers, and is caused by use of vibrating hand-help machinery such as hammer-drills, sanders, grinders, etc.

Symptoms of Vibration White Finger

The symptoms of vibration white finger include any combination of:

  • tingling and numbness in the fingers
  • not being able to feel things properly
  • loss of strength in the hands
  • fingers going white and becoming red and painful on recovery. Especially in the cold and/or wet

For some people, symptoms may appear after only a few months of exposure, but for others they may take a few years. They are likely to get worse with continued exposure to vibration and may become permanent.

Can I Claim Compensation for Vibration White Finger?

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations place duties on employers and the self-employed to assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to hand-arm vibration.

If this is not the case, then you may be able to make a claim against your employer, as they, like every employer, have a duty of care to ensure that their employees are safe at work.

If you believe that you have a claim for vibration white finger, contact our specialists now to have a no-obligation discussion about your potential case.

Vibration White Finger Treatment

Vibration white finger is a permanent affliction and therefore any treatment can only involve reducing and managing the symptoms.

Does Vibration White Finger Go Away?

Unfortunately, vibration white finger is a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, as well as pain in joints and muscles.

What is Most Likely to Cause Vibration White Finger?

Hand-held portable power tools such as grinders, sanders, impact wrenches, air chisels are just some of the more common tools seen in cases of vibration white finger. These transmit vibration into the operator’s hands and arms.

Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to permanent health effects. This is most likely when contact with a vibrating tool is a regular part of your job. Occasional low exposure is unlikely to cause ill health.