VWF and non-teaching school workers

School caretakers and cleaners may not be the education-sector workers who are at the forefront of public concern about health and safety issues. They are, however, the school-related workers who are the most likely to suffer workplace injury or illness. While there have been high-profile cases of caretakers receiving compensation for asbestos-related illnesses, one other condition they are at high risk of developing is Vibration White Finger (VWF).

VWF (also known has Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS in people who exhibit symptoms in more places than the fingers) occurs in those who are exposed to excessive levels of vibration while using power tools. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of function, nerve damage, loss of grip and whiteness and/or tingling in the fingers. These symptoms are usually exacerbated while performing work in wet and windy conditions or through smoking or taking certain medicines.

School cleaners, but particularly caretakers, suffer a higher than average incidence of HAVS. This is very likely because of the all-weather, all-year, intensive work performed by them. Prolonged use of certain industrial model vacuum cleaners can precipitate Vibration White Finger, meaning cleaners are at risk, but it is mostly the kind of equipment that is used by caretakers which is likely to cause problems.

Lawnmowers, electric drills, electric saws, leaf blowers, as well as other vibrating machinery can all cause problems, making appropriate training in reducing exposure to vibration a responsibility of anyone who employs a school caretaker. Keeping warm, wearing protective gloves, refraining from touching cold objects and increasing the frequency and length of breaks when using vibrating machinery are all important ways of reducing risk.

Making a no win, no fee VWF claim
There are many no win, no fee solicitors on YouClaim's panel firms who have extensive experience of successfully representing clients who have developed Vibration White Finger through exposure to vibrating machinery in the workplace.

Whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales, we have solicitors working for us who are local to your area and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Win or lose, when you make a claim with us you will never have to pay anyone a single penny in legal costs or fees. In addition, our no-cut commitment ensures all our successful clients 100% compensation.

To contact us with a view to progressing your VWF claim, just fill out an online claim form, request a callback or have an echat.

If you would like to have a no-obligation chat with a legal advisor now, call us on 0800 10 757 95.