Vibration injuries affect thousands of workmen
It is an injury that is responsible for serious pain and suffering for many thousands of people across the country but is also one that rarely gets major headlines, sadly Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is no laughing matter.
This industrial injury, which is also known as “white finger” is caused by an excessive exposure to vibrating machinery in the workplace and is particularly prevalent amongst people who use hand held vibrating digging devices.
The personal injury manifests itself in a number of different ways, the most striking being a gradual whitening of the fingers.
This whitening is accompanied by a decrease in circulatory function and damage to the joints, muscles and nerves in the hands.
Recently the government introduced new, and more stringent, safety guidelines that businesses will be legally obliged to follow.
The new regulations decrease the levels of exposure needed to be classified as dangerous. This new law along with ever-advancing technical solutions should go some way to reducing the prevalence of the work accidents but the sheer numbers of people affected mean that more can always be done.
"Overall, the right combination of equipment and consumable can contribute significantly to reducing vibration – as well as to efficiency and a better final finish. It’s well worth taking the time to audit all abrasive equipment to see if the process can be undertaken better and more safely," said Nigel Willcock from manufacturer 3M.
Injured workers take legal stand
Of those workers who have already been affected by the injury, a number have taken up compensation claims against their employers for exposing them to dangerous levels of vibration which has often occurred over substantial time periods.
One such worker who sought legal help was recently awarded compensation after his employer was found in breach of work safety guidelines due his exposure.
The man said that his working life had been dramatically affected and that he had to be moved to a different position in the company because he could no longer fulfill his former duties.
"The continuing deterioration of his hands has impacted on his day-to-day life as well as his employment prospects. It is the duty of the employer to ensure employees are protected against vibrating equipment," said his injury lawyer Fiona Belgian.
Recent statistics suggest that for people working regularly with vibrating machinery the chance of developing HAVS is around 10%, so it is no surprise that there are a number of cases currently working their way through court.
Another compensation victory for a worker affected by HAVS was won recently by a former motor industry worker who developed the injury after many years working with a variety of vibrating tools. The man said that his employer had failed to warn him of the dangers inherent in working with the machines and he was awarded £8,500 in compensation.
"Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers are required to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to health and safety to their employees arising from prolonged use of power tools.(The man) should have been protected against developing this condition. It is a work-place injury, which he will have to endure the rest of his life" said his lawyer Lisa Gormley.
Updated on 9/6/2009