Vibration White Finger Claims

Q: What should my employer have done to protect me against VWF or HAVS?

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 , employers have a general duty of care to employees. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 , they have more specific duties of care to employees who use vibrating tools. They must make sure you get all the information and protective equipment you need to work safely, including: Making sure the exposure to vibration is kept as low as possible Making sure risks from vibration are monitored and controlled Providing information, instruction, and training on the risks of vibration Regularly monitoring your health in relation to the risks of vibration Providing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves Ensuring you can take adequate breaks from using vibrating equipment. If your use of vibrating tools isn't monitored or controlled, and you haven’t been provided with any information or training, your employer's negligence could have put you at risk of developing HAVS.

If overuse of vibrating tools like jackhammers, grinders or chainsaws have led to vibration white finger (VWF) or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), you might have a claim.

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Why choose Irwin Mitchell to make a compensation claim for vibration white finger?

Our lawyers have specialist expertise in VWF and HAVS compensation claims. In the late 1990s, we handled a series of claims against British Coal, resulting in 40,000 former miners receiving a share of £500 million for VWF. We have successfully pursued many HAVS claims against numerous employers since then.

You can benefit from our decades of experience to make a claim for the compensation you deserve—we will make sure the claims process is both stress-free and jargon-free so you can get what you need to put things right.

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Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.

Satinder Bains

Partner

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Meet our experts

Satinder Bains

Partner

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We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your questions about VWF and HAVS if you have been let down by your employer, whether current or former. We are here to help you get the support you deserve.

What causes vibration white finger or HAVS?

VWF, also known as HAVS, is a workplace injury caused by overusing vibrating tools. Equipment that can cause VWF includes:

Jackhammers
Concrete breakers
Sanders
Grinders
Powered mowers
Chainsaws
Scabblers or needle guns
Hedge trimmers
Rotary equipment.

You are at high risk of VWF if you have worked in an industry that required you to use equipment such as pneumatic drills, grinding tools or concrete breakers, including construction, rail or road maintenance, engineering and mining.

What are the symptoms of VWF or HAVS?

HAVS causes damage to the nerves, joints, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels in your hands, wrists, and arms. The symptoms of this condition can last for several hours or only a few minutes. It can do long-lasting damage to your hands and arms. The symptoms of VWF include:

Hands and fingers feeling numb and tingly
Whitening of the fingers, beginning at the fingertips, and spreading to the palms
Losing strength in your hands or arms
Loss of grip and finding it hard to pick things up
Weakness in your muscles and hands.

If the condition is advanced, it can also lead to disability and drastically reduce your quality of life.

What should my employer have done to protect me against VWF or HAVS?

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a general duty of care to employees. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, they have more specific duties of care to employees who use vibrating tools. They must make sure you get all the information and protective equipment you need to work safely, including:

Making sure the exposure to vibration is kept as low as possible
Making sure risks from vibration are monitored and controlled
Providing information, instruction, and training on the risks of vibration
Regularly monitoring your health in relation to the risks of vibration
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves
Ensuring you can take adequate breaks from using vibrating equipment.

If your use of vibrating tools isn't monitored or controlled, and you haven’t been provided with any information or training, your employer's negligence could have put you at risk of developing HAVS.

Can I make a no win no fee claim for VWF or HAVS?

Yes, you can claim for VWF or HAVS—most of the claims we handle are on a no win no fee basis. This means that there will be nothing for you to pay upfront and no legal fees if your claim isn’t successful.

To make a no win no fee claim with us, you will need to enter into an agreement that’s linked to a suitable insurance policy. If your claim is successful, most of our fees will be paid by your opponent.

Information to help with your claim

We can help with legal guidance and advice as well as other services you might need to aid your recovery and get your life back on track.

Support and Rehabilitation Co-ordinators
We'll make sure you get everything you need throughout the claims process
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About Irwin Mitchell
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Irwin Mitchell Scotland

Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.