Vibration White Finger

What is white finger?

Vibration white finger, also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), is a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI), common to a lot of industry workers. VWF is considered to be a secondary form of Raynaud’s syndrome.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimate that almost 2 million people are at risk of developing this industrial illness. In 2018 alone, there were 180 new claims reported by the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

What causes VWF?

White finger is caused by continuous use of vibrating hand-held power tools, such as drills. The repeated hand arm vibrations affect the joints, nerves and blood vessels of the hand, wrist and forearm.

Symptoms include:

• Finger tips and/or fingers change colour – whiteness and redness
• Throbbing, numbness or pain and tingling in the fingers
• Loss of dexterity or grip in cold temperatures or wet conditions.

Where exposure is continued, HAVS can worsen and even cause permanent disability.

The damage to nerves and blood vessels can build up over time, so symptoms can appear months, or even years, after you’ve used vibrating machinery.

Common causes of white finger include the use of:

• Concrete breakers
• Sanders, grinders & disc cutters
• Hammer or pneumatic drills
• Chipping hammers
• Chainsaws & hedge trimmers
• Powered mowers
• Needle guns
• Pedestal grinders
• Hammer action tools

Why make a white finger compensation claim?

Industrial injuries in the workplace are preventable and your employer has a duty of care to protect you. White finger can be painful and have a serious impact on your day-to-day life.

Compensation will not only allow you to pay for any medical costs, treatments and ongoing therapies, it may also bring the issue to light and prevent it happening to other workers.

More about making a claim

How can First4Lawyers help?

Firstly we have very experienced advisers who will be able to tell you whether you are likely to have a claim, and explain how it all works, including our No Win No Fee services. If you decide to take it further, they will match you with an industrial disease law specialist who will help you build a case and file for industrial disease compensation.

Our experts know the ins and outs of industrial compensation claims and will be with you every step of the way through the claims process.

How much compensation will I receive for a vibration white finger claim?

Vibration white finger compensation amounts depend on the severity, level of disability and the impact it has had on your work and social life. For example, as guidance, minor symptoms with only a modest effect on your lifestyle can get in the range of £3,650 to £10,550. Whereas the most serious cases where there is significant impact on daily life and employment could be awarded £38,610 to £46,900.

Is there a time limit for making a vibration white finger claim?

You usually have three years from the date of your diagnosis to make a HAVS compensation claim. There are some exceptions, so get in touch if you’d like us to advise you on your particular circumstances.

I think I have a white finger claim, what do I do next?

First, get in touch for an initial chat, free of charge. You can phone us using the numbers at the top of the screen, request a callback, or just complete our online form. One of our advisers will be in touch to discuss whether you have a claim and tell you about our No Win No Fee services.

There is no hard sell and you are under no obligation to proceed unless you are happy to do so.