Nearly 2 million people are at risk from Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. It is a seriously disabling condition and the Control of Vibration at Work regulations, which are now in place, have been designed to eliminate vibration exposure and controlling it in situations where it can’t be eliminated.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is preventable, but once the damage is done, it is permanent. The symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome include tingling and numbness in the fingers and loss of strength in your hands.
Employers have a legal obligation to assess the risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndromeand to protect employees from developing the condition. The cost to both employees and employers of taking no action against the disease can be very high.
The condition is most common in foundries, construction and heavy steel fabrications. However, a recent case against a naval base in Cornwall has brought to light the risk of developing the condition in horticultural roles.
The Falmouth Packet reported that a company who kept the grounds of this naval base were fined by the HSE when three workers were diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. The tools they were using that caused the onset of the condition were hedge cutters and strimmers.
A HSE investigation found that the company knew each worker had “vibration-related conditions” and failed to implement measures to control the risk of developing the condition. The employer was fined £10,000, having admitting two breaches of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
How Can Nelsons Help?
Damage from the condition includes being unable to do fine work and suffering from painful finger blanching attacks in cold weather. If you use vibrating tools on a regular basis that may be responsible for symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, please contact our expert Personal Injury team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham to discuss whether you will be able to make a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome compensation claim on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.