Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger Claims (VWF): Company Fined for Failing to Protect Employees. Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as Vibration White Finger (VWF), is a serious occupational disease affecting thousands of workers across the UK.

In a recent case, Nottingham City Homes Limited was fined £32,000.00 after more than ten of its employees were diagnosed with vibration-related illnesses including Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

The employees affected included bricklayers, joiners, plasterers, caretakers, and electricians, all of whom regularly handled power tools like drills, impact drivers, vibrating plates and road breakers. 

The HSE investigation found that:

• No suitable and sufficient vibration risk assessment was conducted by the employer
• Control measures such as substituting equipment or limiting exposure time were not implemented
• Tool maintenance and health surveillance systems were inadequate
• Employees received no training or guidance on the risks that they faced.

Further information on this particular Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF) case can be found on the HSE website here.

What is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF)?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF) are conditions that can affect people who use vibrating tools or machinery on a regular basis.  These conditions are caused by the damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. 

Symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF)

Symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF) can vary from person to person, but they typically include:

• Numbness and tingling in the fingers 
• White fingers or ‘blanching’
• Pain in the fingers
• Reduced grip strength
• Stiffness in the fingers

Who is at Risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF)?

Workers in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and any industry using vibrating tools such as grinders, jackhammers, chainsaws, drills, and road breakers.

Can I Make a Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome / Vibration White Finger Compensation Claim?

If you have developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF) due to your work, you may be entitled to compensation. You must show your employer failed to protect you from vibration risks.

How MMW Claims Can Help

At MMW Claims, we have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors with extensive experience helping people who have been diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) / Vibration White Finger (VWF). You can learn more about how we help here.

Contact MMW Claims Today

Don't wait to get the advice you need. Contact MMW Claims today on 028 90200050 to speak to one of our industrial disease solicitors or fill out the contact form for a free initial consultation.