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Among employees who may risk developing an industrial injury from using power tools and subsequently become eligible for VWF compensation are forestry workers and tree surgeons.
Tools powered by small petrol or diesel engines have vastly improved conditions for manual workers across many industries and this includes those who maintain wooded estates and timber plantations or cut down trees in a variety of situations.
Working above ground requires a number of safety measures to ensure a tree worker does not suffer a work-related accident. Employers have a duty to ensure full training and safe practices are in place for employees and the surrounding area and any machinery should be checked for potential hazards before a job begins.
Industrial timber chain saws can weigh between 6kg and 10kg, and handling one for eight hours a day will put a lot of strain on an operative's arms and hands.
Most modern machines for professional use have vibration-reducing features to lessen the chance of VWF occurring but, if someone is using an older saw without such protection or using one for many hours without a break, they have a greater chance of developing the condition.
Although they are at a lower level of hazard risk, a powerful hedge trimmer can also be a source of vibration white finger if used continuously, especially if the machine is a model without anti-vibration dampeners, and, again, can be quite weighty (up to 6kg), adding to strain on the user's hands, arms and shoulders.
To protect themselves from a work-related injury in the forestry and estate management industries, employees should take responsibility for their own safety but also ensure their employer has done everything possible to protect workers.
Any vibrating tool which causes numbness in the hands after a few minutes of use should be reported and, if possible, replaced with a lower-vibration model.
To reduce vibration when under stress, cutting blades should be properly maintained and kept sharp for maximum efficiency. Tools should be stored carefully so that their handles are not unduly cold when starting work.
Anti-vibration gloves should be supplied by the employer who should also ensure workers have adequate breaks and variation of task so that the body has a chance to recover from the strains put on it by any particular job.
Other precautions to combat vibration white finger for those working outdoors include keeping warm by moving around regularly and wearing suitable clothing.
YouClaim and VWF compensation
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury as a result of working in the forestry or grounds maintenance industry and using powered equipment which has led to vibration white finger, you may be eligible to claim VWF compensation from an employer.
YouClaim's panel of experienced lawyers, who work throughout the UK, have the expertise to advise on a potential case for damages for a work-related injury which was not your fault. Then, if you wish, they can go on to represent you in making a claim.
Not only can you be assured of attention from helpful legal advisers who will explain everything in plain English, as they are supervised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, they are accountable to the Law Society for their actions.
To take the first steps in finding out about YouClaim's special services for people who deserve recompense for a work-related injury, you can contact us in a number of ways.
There is an online claim form on this site, you can start an e-chat with us or we can telephone you at a convenient time. Call us about VWF compensation on 0800 10 757 95
