Guide to Vibration White Finger (VWF) / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition affecting the fingers and hands caused by prolonged exposure to vibration. The severity of the condition can vary depending on the length and level of exposure suffered by the individual.

What are the symptoms?

There are two main symptoms of Vibration White Finger, sensorineural and vascular.

Sensorineural is the tingling and numbness that a person suffering from Vibration White Finger experiences in their fingers. This tingling generally starts at the tip of the fingers and depending on the severity of the condition can affect the whole of the fingers. Along with the tingling a sufferers fingers may also feel numb and therefore suffer a loss of dexterity i.e. Vibration White Finger suffers have problems in handling small or fiddly items.

The vascular component of the condition occurs when the fingers lose colour and turn white when exposed to cold. When returning to a warm environment this then causes the hands to tingle and go numb. This is due to the small blood vessels narrowing, then often on return to a warm environment the hands go bright red. This is due to the blood vessels opening up and the return of good blood flow. This may cause tingling, throbbing, pain and numbness. Some people do not have the full colour change as detailed above but still develop bouts of uncomfortable, pale, cold fingers. Each episode can last for only a short time or up to hours depending on the individual hand severity of the condition.

You do not have to suffer from both sets of symptoms to be suffering from Vibration White Finger. There is a system for detailing the severity of the sensorineural (tingling and numbness) and vascular (cold induced whiteness) symptoms. In the case of sensorineural symptoms the stagings range from 1SN (intermittent numbness and/or tingling) 2-3SN (intermittent or persistent numbness and/or tingling, reduced manipulative dexterity). In relation to the vascular component these are staged between 1 vascular (white finger affecting only the tips of one or more fingers) and 4V (frequent attacks of whiteness affecting all fingers and trophic changes).

How does it effect people?

The condition not only affects dexterity but sensitivity and possibly grip strength as well. Symptoms may effect a persons ability to perform their work and/or interfere with their home life.

Vibration White Finger can affect any individual who has used hand held or operated vibratory tools or equipment at work over a period of time. HSE data shows that over 3,000 new VWF notified cases each year.

Contacting a VWF / HAVS lawyer about compensation

Irwin Mitchell has represented thousands of people in the UK with vibratory injuries. Many of these claims have been for people who had worked in the steel, engineering, construction and mining industries but this list is not exhaustive and anyone who has used vibrating tools and equipment could have contracted VWF. Visit our vibration white finger compensation claims page for more information.

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