HAVS Solicitor - Mining Injury Accident Compensation Solicitors

LAWYER HELPLINE: ☎ 1800 633 090

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (also known as HAVS, Vibration White Finger and dead finger) is a secondary form of Reynauds syndrome, an industrial disease that is the result of excessive exposure to vibrations through the hands.

Hand arm vibration is usually experienced when using:

  • Hand-held power tools.
  • Hand-guided powered equipment e.g rock drills and drill rigs.
  • Powered machines where vibration is transmitted from the body to the hands (e.g operating jumbos without vibration dampening).

Vibration can damage blood flow, tendons, muscles, bones and nerves in the hands and arms. The higher the level of vibration and the longer the exposure, the greater is the risk of developing HAVS.

Our HAVS solicitors are experts at handling No Win No Fee workers compensation claims. If you are suffering from hand arm vibration syndrome, you should seek legal advice from a HAVS solicitor without delay. Contact us today to find out how we can help you receive maximum compensation.


Symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome HAVS

Signs and symptoms of hand arm vibration syndrome include:

  • Persistent tingling or numbness.
  • Loss of sensation.
  • Loss of strength.
  • Loss of coordination.
  • Pins and needles pain.
  • Fingers turn white and stay white for an hour or more after work.
  • Fingers change colour when exposed to cold. Initially they become pale and feeling is lost, followed by an intense red flush usually accompanied by throbbing.

Workers should see their doctor immediately if they develop any of the signs or symptoms of HAVS. There is no cure for HAVS. Some medications may however help with pain relief and increase blood flow / circulation. It is often necessary to discontinue use of vibrating tools for extended periods of time.


Long-Term Damage

Long-term exposure to hand and arm vibration may result in:

  • Damage to bones, joints, muscles in hand, wrist and elbow.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Nerve and blood vessel degeneration.
  • Sensory nerve damage.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome.
  • Bone cysts in wrists and fingers.


Risk Reduction

To reduce the risk of developing hand arm vibration syndrome, employers should take steps to ensure the safety of their workers including:

  • Providing safe, low vibration tools where possible.
  • Ensuring that tools are properly maintained to avoid increased vibration caused by faults.
  • Reducing the length of time of exposure by allowing breaks from using the tool.
  • Educating employees on correct use of tools and equipment, and wearing of anti-vibration gloves.


No Win No Fee Solicitor

If you need legal representation on a No Win No Fee basis, contact our solicitors today for advice. Strict time limits apply when making compensation claims, so don't delay in seeking legal advice.

LAWYER HELPLINE: ☎ 1800 633 090