Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Also known as vibration white finger, HAVS is a disorder affecting the hands and forearms. It is caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, such as the use of vibrating tools.

Key Information

• Nearly 2 million people in the UK are at risk from HAVS.
• Whilst preventable, once developed HAVS is permanent.
• Around 300, 000 workers in the UK have reported symptoms of HAVS.
• Average claims per settlement are in the region of £15, 000 to £20, 000.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

• Tingling or numbness in the fingers
• Loss of feeling in hands
• Loss of strength in hands
• Whitening of the fingers

Causes

HAVS is caused by prolonged exposure to vibration. There are a number of tools that can contribute to this, some of the more common examples being:

• Pneumatic drills
• Hammer drills
• Power hammers
• Nail guns
• Powered sanders
• Chainsaws
• Impact wrenches
• Concrete breakers
• Hand-held grinders
• Jigsaws
• Polishers
• Scrabblers
• Needle scalders
• Pedestal grinders
• Polishers

In Industry

Such power tools can be used in a number of jobs in industry, therefore exposing the user to a risk of developing HAVS, for example:

• Motorway and railway construction and maintenance
• Ship building and repair
• Forestry
• Construction
• Vehicle manufacture and repair
• Mining

Legal Requirements

The Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations require employers to:

• Assess the risk of vibration to employees and determine if levels are likely to exceed the daily exposure action value (EAV) or the daily exposure limit values (ELV).
• If above the EVA, the risk must be eliminated or reduced to as low as reasonably practical, and health surveillance must be provided.
• If above the ELV, the exposure must be reduced to below the ELV.
• Provide information and training to employees with exposure and information on how to control them.