What are Vibration White Finger (VWF) & Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?
Vibration White Finger (VWF) is a secondary form of Raynaud's disease, and is an Industrial Upper Limb Disorder triggered by vibrating hand-held machinery. In essence Vibration White Finger (VWF) is a term used when Secondary Raynaud's has been caused by exposure to vibration. This typically happens to people who regularly use certain types of vibrating tools including:
- concrete breakers and pokers,
- sanders, grinders and disc cutters,
- hammer drills,
- chipping hammers,
- chainsaws, hedge trimmers and power mowers etc.
Vibration White Finger (VWF) is characterized by blanching, numbness, tingling (parasthesia) and pain in the hands and fingers. Vibration White Finger (VWF) has generally been superseded by the Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Vibration White Finger (VWF) is the vascular component of the Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) affecting the fingers.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms caused by vibrating tools. Both Raynaud’s & Vibration White Finger (VWF) are components of the Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Further information on Vibration at Work from the Health & Safety Executive.
What should I do if I am suffering from an Industrial Disease such as Vibration White Finger or the Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
The first step if suffering from Vibration White Finger would be to call us so we can assess your claim for compensation and advise you on whether you will be eligible to claim.
The second step is to go see your GP who will need to take an in-depth history and establish a relationship between your symptoms and possible cause. Diagnosis is based on examination.
Further to this any medical(s) instigated by our solicitors will cost you nothing, they will be paid for by the solicitor and claimed back as a disbursement from the other side.
