VWF problems with vibration testing data
As any sufferer of the condition Vibration White Finger (VWF) will tell you, it is a debilitating condition, making the performance of some of even the simplest manual tasks an arduous trial.
Its symptoms can vary from a minor loss of feeling to complete loss of strength in the hands, leading to the acute VWF sufferer unable to do simple things such as send a text message or drive a car.
In recent years, recognition of the seriousness of VWF has led vibrating tool and machinery manufacturers to produce lower vibration equipment that it is hoped will lead to a reduction in the number of workers who develop the condition.
Manufacturers have not been the only ones to respond. Employers too, have played their part in protecting workers from the VWF risk. Whether it is through providing risk assessments or monitoring the situations of individual workers, it is anticipated that employers correctly implementing Health and Safety Executive guidelines on VWF will lead to fall in the incidence of the condition as well as a drop in the number of compensation claims being made for it.
Yet it is the manufacturers of vibrating machinery to who so many hold out the most hope. Technological advancements have meant that an increasing number of tools fall within the HSE recommended 2.8m/s2 vibration limit.
Problems with manufacturer's vibration data
Unfortunately, there are problems in accurately establishing just how much vibration a tool produces. This is because most manufacturers tend to test their products under laboratory conditions. These "free running" tests are performed in an artificial environment, without any weight or pressure exerted on the tool. This can cause some misleading results, leading to some tools being categorised as low vibration when, in fact, under real working conditions, they might exceed HSE recommended levels.
Director of noise and vibration prevention with the Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC), Peter Wilson, explains some of the stumbling blocks to effective "working tests", "Manufacturers could supply realistic data from workplace trials but the problem is that these vary a lot."
"Everyone is making claims for their equipment. We have seen one chipping hammer that claimed to produce less than 2.5m/s2 but in field trials produced eight times that level"
The climate created by such uncertain data has led to many employers taking a cautious approach to managing employee's use of vibrating machinery.
With some VWF compensation claims being awarded tens of thousands of pounds, employers are no longer relying purely on manufacturer's data and are instead placing more emphasis on their own monitoring and risk assessments.
Making a no win, no fee VWF claim
If your life has been adversely affected by the symptoms of Vibration White Finger, you may be able to claim compensation from your employer's workplace insurers.
YouClaim have a team of the UK's leading no win, no fee solicitors, who over the years have helped thousands of people claim the workplace compensation they deserve.
Our service is completely risk-free. At no stage during or after your compensation claim will we charge you a single penny in costs or fees.
Furthermore, we protect you from all the opposing side's legal costs and guarantee to never take a cut of your compensation.
To begin your VWF claim today, simply call 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, if you wish to do a bit of groundwork first, fill out an online claim form or discuss your claim with a legal advisor using our e-chat window.
