Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as Vibration White Finger, is an industrial disease caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, typically through the use of vibrating hand tools and equipment. This can cause debilitating, long-term symptoms for which there is no cure.
Typical symptoms include episodes of blanching of the fingers and palms, tingling and numbness, pins and needles of varying length and severity. These symptoms are typically triggered by the cold and after being exposed to vibration. Affected individuals often report redness and pain when their hands return to normal after an episode.
Longer term these symptoms can impact sleep and daily tasks requiring fine motor functions such as doing up buttons, tying shoelaces, dealing with coins and opening jars. It can also lead to a reduction in grip and strength in the hands, causing affected individuals to drop items.
To assess whether an individual does suffer from HAVS, they will undergo various tests, ultimately receiving a score on what is known as the Stockholm Workshop Scale. This was established in 1986 following a workshop in the city attended by numerous experts in the field.
There are two components to a diagnosis of HAVS – the vascular and the sensorineural component and this is assessed for each hand.
The vascular component considers the extent of ‘attacks’ of colour change or blanching, where an individual’s fingers will turn white. Scores will range from 0 (where an individual has no attacks), 1, 2 (early and late) up to 3 and 4, where at its most severe, attacks will occur frequently throughout the year and affecting most fingers.
The sensorineural component considers the extent of tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers. Again, scores will range from 0 where there is exposure to vibration but no symptoms, through, 1, 2 (early and late) to a maximum of 3, where an individual experiences constant tingling and numbness.
Given that these symptoms are caused by exposure to vibration, there are certain industries where employees are at greater risk of developing this condition.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes the following industries where there is frequent exposure to vibration:
Any and all exposure to vibration is relevant, however there are certain tools and equipment that give off significant levels of vibration. Common examples include but are not limited to – grinders, impact guns, air tools, impact drills, hammer drills, jackhammers, lawnmowers, strimmers, chainsaws, rivet guns, sanders, concrete breakers.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations at Work 2005 came into effect in July 2005. These regulations established the levels of daily exposure at which an employer is to take steps to reduce exposure to vibration, known as the exposure action value (EAV) and a level of daily exposure which should not be exceeded - the exposure limit value (ELV).
Regulation 5 stipulates that where an employer exposes employees to risk from vibration, they are required to complete a risk assessment to identify measures to reduce any such risk. In carrying out a risk assessment, an employer should take account of the work being carried out, the likely levels of vibration given off by the equipment used and measure these levels if necessary.
Employers must eliminate exposure to vibration but if this is not possible, then steps must be taken to reduce exposure to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of injury. It is recommended that employers ensure they provide tools and equipment with reduced vibration and monitor the amount of time employees spend using these tools. They should also ensure that tools are regularly serviced and well maintained.
Should risk assessments identify a risk to employee’s health as a result of their exposure to vibration, or if they are likely to reach or exceed the daily EAV then an employer must also make sure these employees are provided with health surveillance. In these circumstances they must also provide employees with suitable information, instruction and training.
If you have symptoms and work in one of the industries noted above or should you have any questions about pursuing a claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01413336750 for more information.
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