VIBRATION WHITE FINGER (VWF)

What is it?

This condition is also sometimes known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and is a form of Raynaud’s Phenomenon which has a specific cause, namely exposure to vibration.

Exposure to high levels of vibration may cause damage to the vascular system (thickening of the walls of small arteries) and, in more severe cases, damage to the nerves of the fingers.

It is now medically acknowledged that exposure to high levels of vibration can result in the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Symptoms.

Tingling, numbness, loss of sensation and blanching (whiteness) of the fingers are precipitated by exposure to cold temperatures or cold objects. The grip may also be affected in the event of CTS also being present.

Causes

It is now recognised that there is a risk of development of VWF in the following occupations:-

a) Use of handheld chainsaws in forestry

b) Use of handheld rotary tools in grinding or in the sanding/polishing of metal

c) Use of handheld percussive metal working tools in riveting, caulking, chipping, hammering, fettling, etc.

d) Use of handheld powered percussive drills or hammers in mining, quarrying, demolition or on roads/footpaths (including road construction)

e) Holding of materials being worked upon by pounding machines in shoe manufacture

The following tools are capable of causing vibration damages:-

a) chipping hammer

b) riveting hammer

c) rock drill

d) jack hammer

e) road braker

f) needle scaler

g) chisel scaler

h) disc sander

i) handheld grinder

j) rotary drill

The Law

All employers have a legal duty to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees and to provide a safe system of work and a safe working environment. They should implement and maintain a programme of preventive measures to reduce/eliminate vibration levels in the workplace by the following methods:-

a) Eliminating the hazard

b) Substituting an alternative low – vibration process

c) Reducing the vibration generated

d) Minimising the force needed to apply and control tools

e) Minimising the transmission of vibration to the hand

f) Providing anti-vibration gloves to its employees

In addition to preventive measures, employers should also implement and maintain a health surveillance programme which includes checking employees under the general supervision of a medical practitioner and a system for workers to report any episodes of finger blanching (which should be investigated) and an adequate recording system of both medical examinations and of any instances of detection of vibration damage suffered by employees.

The employer’s duties are defined by the following regulations:

a) Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

b) Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

c) Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992

d) Workplace (Health Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992

e) Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992

f) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

g) The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

Case Studies

Case Study 1

The Claimant spent much of his working life using a power hammer in the manufacture of agricultural equipment and developed Vibration White Finger which was said by his doctor to have been caused by excessive exposure to vibration in the course of his employment. Although he was only aged 26, he was disabled to the extent that he would be unable to undertake manual work for the remainder of his working life. He was awarded £57,000 compensation by the court.

Case Study 2

The Claimant, male aged 30 at the date of trial, developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome with particulars emphasis on symptoms of tingling, numbness and loss of manual dexterity. He was woken about twice a week and was clumsy and always dropped things. His serious hobby of fishing was confined to the summer months only due to his injuries. He was awarded damages in the sum of £15,000 for pain and suffering plus further sums on account of past and future loss of earnings.

Case Study 3

The Claimant, a tin miner, aged 41 at the date of trial, developed Vibration White Finger as a result of using vibrating drills and other vibrating tools during the course of his employment. He complained of aching, numbness and tingling in his hands. His symptoms left him unable to undertake any fine manipulative tasks including keyboard use. He was awarded damages in the sum of £12,000 for pain and suffering.