Do You Feel an Employer Has Contributed to Your Illness?
People working in certain industries are prone do developing work related medical condition.
Vibration White Finger (VWF) is an occupational disease also known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrom (or HAVS) and is a type of Raynaud’s Phenomenon. It is accepted that people working with hand held vibrating equipment or tools are at risk of suffering nerve damage due to vibration.
The symptoms of this condition are: weakness and numbness in fingers and as the name suggests fingers turning pale or white. In severe cases the symptoms may persist even when a sufferer eventual stops working
Power tools which increase the risk of VWF include:
- Pneumatic Drills
- Angle Grinders
- Pile Drivers
- Polishers
- Chain Saws
- Concrete Breakers
There are legal obligations for employers to reduce risks to their employees under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 in which it clearly states that employers need to:
- Carry out a risk assessment
- Look for alternative safe methods of working
- Make sure tools have the lowest vibration level available
- Ensure good working patterns
- Provide safety clothing
- Monitor levels of vibration and safety management.
If you have symptoms of vibration white finger and have regularly used power tools at work you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.
Ison Harrison can help identify how your employer or previous employer may have contributed to your work place injury.
You can discuss your case with our experienced Industrial Disease Team in complete confidence. We act with the minimum amount of fuss, are straight talking and work hard to get our clients the justice they deserve.
