Five Sides Industrial, UK

Hand-Arm Vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread industrial disease affecting millions of workers on a worldwide basis. HAVS is caused by exposure to vibration especially from vibrating hand-held tools and therefore is a particular problem for the construction industry. Exposure to this vibration may result in a range of health effects collectively known as Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.

HAVS is a condition which can effect the circulation, sensory and motor nerves and cause muscular-skeletal problems. One of the most common conditions among operators of hand-held tools is vibration white finger. (VWF) The most obvious effect of VWF is where the fingers turn white during an attack, but suffers may lose manual dexterity and grip strength.

VWF may appear after only several months on the job, or may not appear until after twenty to forty years on the job. It’s somewhat unclear why the development of these conditions takes longer with some people. Temporary tingling ( called transient) or numbness during or soon after use of a vibrating hand tool is not considered to be VWF, however tingling and numbness in the fingers lasting more than an hour after finishing work may indicate early stages of VWF.

As previously stated the most common cause of Hand-arm vibration syndrome is found in operators of hand-held power tools that vibrate. For example, electric and pneumatic grinders, polishers, jigsaws, power drills, chainsaws e.t.c. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. These conditions are aggravated when exposed to cold weather. It has been estimated that up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.

For any further information please look at the government webpage linked below regarding vibration in the work place.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration