Construction workers and Vibration White Finger

Each year around 90,000 construction workers sustain injuries including MSDs (musculoskeletal), hearing loss, skin problems and HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome).  Over 300,000 workers have already got established HAVs including vibration white finger (VWF) caused by construction work.

VWF is the disease most commonly recognised for the Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit scheme, although its incidence has been declining steadily since 1999.

A large proportion of cases (up to 40 %) coming under governmental records of ‘a reported accident in the workplace’ are also attributable to HAVS.  800,000 workers entitled to injury compensation have symptoms of VWF and 20,000 suffer advanced disability because of it.

Health & Safety Executive inspections
In 2005 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out a series of inspections across the UK in an attempt to tackle work-related sickness and injuries.  Among other safety issues, they targeted poor management styles and work practices that had the potential to cause career-ending disability among their workers.

The HSE inspectors also looked at the way tools were handled and used, as well as evaluating which materials and substances resulted in fractures, musculoskeletal disorders and Vibration White Finger.

Chief Inspector for construction Kevin Myers said of the initiative: “Work-related ill health affects a significant number of construction workers and the sector has one of the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorder in the industry.” 

Vibratory tools that can cause an industrial injury such as Vibration White Finger include:

• Pneumatic drills

• Chainsaws

• Hammers

• Scramblers

• Sanders

• Grinders

• Vibrating pokers

The frequency at which tools become damaging
The most damaging range of vibration from construction tools resulting in Vibration White Finger is 5-20 Hz.  After exposure there is usually a period with no signs or symptoms.  VWF affects the vascular, sensor neural and musculoskeletal structures of the hand - a process which accelerates with an increase in vibration, intensity and exposure.

How to claim
If you are suffering from Vibration White Finger because of a construction incident at work and think you are entitled to compensation, YouClaim can help with free legal advice and assistance in making your claim. 

We work on a no win, no fee basis and won’t charge you for any of our services.  There will be absolutely no costs and you can keep 100% of any compensation awarded. To take advantage of our expertise, please call us on 0800 10 757 95, chat to us online, or request a call-back, at a time of your choice, from a Vibration White Finger advisor by completing our call-back form.