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| Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted
into workers' hands and arms from work processes e.g. using hand-held powered work equipment. It is estimated that
approximately five million workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration in the workplace with 40% of these workers
being exposed to levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing disease.
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| Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm
vibration can cause a range of conditions collectively known as hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific
diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome. HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand,
wrist and arm and can become severely disabling and permanent if ignored.
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| Permanent health effects are most likely when
contact with a vibrating tool or work process is a regular part of a person’s job. HAVS is not normally caused by occasional
exposure to hand-arm vibration.
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| Signs and Symptoms of HAVS |
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| The signs and symptoms of hand-arm vibration
syndrome may appear after only a few months of vibration exposure, but for others they may take a few years. They include:
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Tingling and numbness in the fingers (also known as White Finger Vibration)
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Not being able to feel things with the fingers
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Loss of strength in the hands - being less able to pick up heavy objects
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Finger tips turning white then red and being painful on recovery
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Worse in the cold and wet
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| Occupations at risk of developing HAVS |
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| Jobs requiring regular and frequent use of
vibrating tools and equipment and handling of vibrating materials are found in a wide range of industries.
Exposure among men is more common in . . .
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| Metal working production and maintenance fitters |
Plumbers heating and ventilating engineers |
| Carpenters and joiners |
Building and building contractors |
| Electricians and electricial maintenanance fitters |
Public utility engineers (water, gas, electricity) |
| Motor mechanics and auto engineers |
Miners |
| Road / railway maintenance workers |
Ship yard workers |
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| Tools that may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome |
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| There are many different types of hand-held power
tools and equipment that can cause HAVS from repeated vibration expsosure including: |
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| Chainsaws |
Pedestal grinders |
| Jigsaws |
Polishers |
| Cut-off saws (for stone etc) |
Power hammers and chisels |
| Concrete breakers/road breakers |
Powered lawn mowers |
| Hammer drills |
Scabblers |
| Impact wrenches |
Strimmers/brush cutters |
| Needle scalers |
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| HAVS is a recognised disease under the industrial injuries
scheme. If you have been diagnosed with this debilitating disease as a result of exposure to repeated vibration in the
workplace you may be able to claim compensation from your employers if it can be shown that they were negligent. |
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| Making a claim |
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| At Stripes Solicitors, we believe that you have a
right to justice and are entitled to white finger compensation from your employer. We will assess your claim and
appoint a solicitor who will put together evidence and refer you to an independent medical expert.
Our industrial disease solicitors are dedicated to getting you the best possible compensation.
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To find out if you have a white finger claim,
call FreePhone 0800 783 9535.
Our office hours are 8am - 9pm, 7 days a week
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