Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

If you suffer from tingling in the hands, numbness of the fingers or aching in the wrists and muscles of your forearm, you may have hand arm vibration syndrome.

Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an industrial condition caused by working with vibrating tools. And if you suffer from HAVS, you may be entitled to compensation.

To find out more about whether you're able to claim compensation for hand arm vibration syndrome, start your claim form below.

Symptoms of hand arm vibration syndrome

Symptoms of hand arm vibration syndrome include:

• sensitivity in the hands
• numbness in fingers
• aching in the wrists
• aching in the muscles of your forearm
• difficulty handling small items

Many HAVS sufferers usually recover if the vibration stops, but the more you are exposed to vibration, the more likely it is you will suffer lasting symptoms. The condition can be permanent as there is little effective treatment, so it could even stop you working or doing simple tasks at home.

Hand arm vibration syndrome is sometimes also referred to as vibration white finger, although white finger is just one of the symptoms of this condition.

Causes of hand arm vibration syndrome

Hand arm vibration syndrome is primarily suffered by workers in the steel, engineering or mining industries. Activities that are likely to involve working with vibrating tools include:

• Percussive tools - e.g., riveting, caulking, fettling and swaging
• Grinding - including pedestal and hand-held grinders
• Pneumatic drills and hammers, including percussive and rotary hammers
• Chainsaws, including garden machinery

The best way to avoid contracting HAVS is for companies to prevent workers using vibrating machinery, or limiting their exposure. Regular medical reviews are also important in order to spot early symptoms of the condition.

Current legislation regarding hand arm vibration syndrome specifies that employers will not be held responsible for exposure to vibrating tools before 1975.

Call Claims Direct to start your hand arm vibration syndrome claim today

Call Claims Direct today on 0800 884 0321 for a free discussion about your hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) claim. You'll be able to speak to one of our trained representatives, or leave your details on our online web form and we'll call you back.