What exactly are HAVS? Injuries caused by excessive exposure to vibration

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a term use to describe the range of injuries that can be incurred after excessive exposure to vibration when using vibrating tools, including Vibration White Finger.

A definition of HAVS was agreed on by scientists in 1983. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is a disease affecting the circulatory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems. It is most commonly found among those working in the construction, forestry, quarrying, shipping, rail, manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries. There is a particularly high incidence of conditions like Vibration White Finger in the construction industry. Read more about HAVS and the construction industry

The causes of HAVS
HAVS can be caused by the vibration that is transferred from a tool to a worker's hands and arms. Charts have been created to measure the level of vibration in the EU and to check what vibration a particular tool produces to ensure health and safety standards are adhered to and to raise workers' awareness about their own safety. Read more about levels of vibration

Symptoms of HAVS include a mild, short-term 'tingling' sensation or a feeling of 'pins and needles' and a change of colour in the fingertips. During this process, known as Raynaud's phenomenon, the fingertips turn numb and white in colour (hence the name Vibration White Finger). The fingertips then turn blue as oxygen is used up and finally bright red as the blood returns. Raynaud's is more likely to occur during cold weather.

It is important that workers know their rights, join their local union and keep a close eye on the quality of their tools and machinery for any signs of wear and tear that could create unnecessary exposure to vibration. They should also report any symptoms of HAVS they may experience and ask for regular breaks to relieve physical pressure and demands on the body in order to prevent conditions like Vibration White Finger from having a chance to develop. Read more about HAVS at www.havsrm.com

Making an HAVS personal injury compensation claim
Workers that suffer a personal injury as a result of HAVS and conditions like Vibration White Finger can find that their livelihood and ability to earn money is seriously compromised. HAVS can have such a debilitating effect on the body that people are prevented from carrying out demanding manual labour roles completely.

If you have incurred a personal injury through an industrial accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Our solicitors are expert in dealing with these kinds of cases and have an excellent success rate. Call our team of personal injury specialists on 0800 10 757 95, chat to us online, or book a call from us with our call-back form, and they will explain the claims process in plain English without using complicated legal jargon.