Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is the collective term for a range of long-term injuries to arms, hands, wrists, fingers or thumbs resulting from prolonged exposure to hand transmitted vibration.
Statistics show that around five million people may be exposed to hand arm vibration (HAVS) with some two million being regularly exposed at levels where there are foreseeable risks of developing a disease.
The law states that since the mid 1970’s most employers should have been aware that the use of hand held vibrating tools could cause injury to their employees.
Certain tools are known to create excessive levels of vibration such as, jack hammers, kango hammers, chainsaws, jigger picks, air chisels, windy guns, nut runners, grinders amongst many others.
HAVS can be caused when vibration reaches the hands whilst working with handheld power tools, hand-guided machinery, or by holding materials against a moving surface.
Damage can occur to the circulation and nerve supply to the hands, the symptoms of which include blanching (whitening), numbness, tingling and loss of nerve function, primarily to the fingers.
Symptoms can continue and even present themselves after the employee has ceased using the tools. Such symptoms can are often diagnosed as Vibration White Finger (VWF), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or even Raynaud’s Phenomenon.
If you suspect you have HAVS you should make an appointment to see your GP and usually he/she will refer you to a Vascular or Hand specialist who can perform the necessary tests.
If you think that any damage to your hands and/or wrists has been caused by excessive use of vibration tools at work, you should contact a trusted legal claims specialist without delay.
This is why Attwaters Jameson Hill’s Personal Injury solicitors are here.
We pledge to provide every client with outstanding personal service and communication, unrivalled industry knowledge and a proven track record of successfully achieving compensation for clients who have made HAVS claims.
Firstly, Attwater Jameson Hill’s experienced HAVS specialists can tell you if you have a potential compensation claim against a current or former employer.
Then, because our renowned Personal Injury team has access to respected specialist medical experts across all fields, we can support medical investigations into your condition and obtain evidence of your past and possible future needs. This ensures that we claim for the highest level of compensation for the disability suffered.
We can also advise in relation to potential state benefits.
If you think you may have grounds for a claim involving Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, Attwaters Jameson Hill will offer you a jargon-free consultation and assessment free of charge. This includes home or hospital visits and out of hours appointments and help when it may be needed the most.
If you have a strong case, please don’t delay. Call us now for free specialist advice and NO WIN NO FEE representation.
