Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

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• Almost 2 million workers are affected by Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.


• Wrap up! Working in the cold can trigger painful finger blanching.

What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome?

HAVS is caused by repeated and frequent use of hand held vibrating tools. For example, power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. It has been estimated that up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.

What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome?

Symptoms may include Raynaud's phenomenon (this is the 'white finger' part), nerve symptoms, and muscular aches and pains.

Raynaud's phenomenon comes in bouts or 'attacks' that are triggered by cold weather or touching a cold object. A typical bout of Raynaud's phenomenon is as follows.

At first the fingers go white and cool. This is due to the small blood vessels narrowing (going into spasm).

They then go a blue colour. This is due to the oxygen being used up from the reduced blood supply of the narrowed blood vessels.

They then go bright red. This is due to the blood vessels opening up again (dilating) and the return of a good blood flow. This may cause tingling, throbbing and pain.

Some people do not have the full classic colour changes, but still develop bouts of uncomfortable, pale, cold fingers. The duration of each bout of symptoms can last from minutes to hours. The amount of pain or discomfort varies between people. Symptoms usually go after each bout, but one or more blue fingers may persist in the most severe cases.

Nerve symptoms
Numbness (loss of feeling) and/or tingling (pins and needles) in one or more fingers may develop. It may be mild and just affect the tips of the finger(s) and 'come and go'. In severe cases a permanent numbness may extend along affected fingers. This may cause clumsiness and difficulty in doing fine tasks. For example, it may become difficult to fasten buttons, handle coins, screws, nails, threads, etc. In many people the severity of nerve symptoms is somewhere in between these two extremes. Sometimes one finger is badly affected with other fingers only mildly affected.

Aches and pains
Minor damage to the muscles, joints and bones may cause aches and pains in the hands and lower arm. The strength of your grip may be weakened.

How do symptoms progress?

You may at first have bouts of Raynaud's phenomenon on cold, wet, and windy days affecting the ends of one or more fingers. You may have some numbness or tingling which 'comes and goes' around the same time. Symptoms may remain mild, but can progress if you continue to work with vibrating tools. Vibration itself rarely triggers a bout of Raynaud's phenomenon. It is cold weather or other cold conditions that trigger Raynaud's phenomenon.

As the condition develops, the amount of cold needed to trigger symptoms is less. You may then have bouts of Raynaud's phenomenon in the summer, though usually only if your hands are wet. If the condition becomes more severe you may have bouts of Raynaud's phenomenon along the full length of affected fingers, and develop some permanent numbness.

In some cases the symptoms develop months or years after finishing working with vibrating tools.

Can hand-arm vibration syndrome be prevented?

The following steps are thought to help prevent HAVS in workers who use vibrating tools.

• Hold tools as loosely as possible, and in varying positions.
• Ensure that tools are well maintained.
• Use tools correctly, and use the right tool for the job. The aim is not to need excessive grip or to use a tool for longer than necessary.
• Use anti-vibration gloves.
• Take regular breaks of at least 10 minutes away from the tool. Short bursts of work are better than long periods of work without a break.
• Keep warm while at work. Especially the hands to keep the blood flow as good as possible.
• You should not smoke - the chemicals in tobacco can affect blood flow.

What should I do if symptoms develop?

If you suspect that you have symptoms of HAVS then see your doctor. Also, report your concerns to your employer, works nurse, or work doctor (if there is one), and, where relevant, to your union representative. It is your employer's responsibility to make sure that you work in a safe and acceptable working environment.

Let Hand Arm Disease Specialists assess your situation and, in eligible cases, help you secure the best possible compensation.

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We help people every day claim compensation following all types of accidents, injuries and illnesses sometimes in the most unusual of circumstances.
Call us on 0800 118 5855or complete our online form and we'll call you back and tell you straight away whether we think you have a valid case and how you can make a claim.

General advice

In addition, general advice is similar to that given to people who have HAVS, whatever the cause. The following are usually advised.

Smoking may make symptoms worse. The chemicals in tobacco can cause the small blood vessels to narrow. If you smoke, if you stop smoking it may ease the problem.

Some medicines that are used to treat other conditions sometimes trigger symptoms, or make them worse. The medicine may cause the blood vessels to narrow. Such medicines include: beta-blockers, some anti-migraine medicines, decongestants, and, very occasionally, the contraceptive pill. Don't stop a prescribed medicine if you suspect it may be making symptoms worse. See your doctor to discuss possible alternatives.

Other drugs. Caffeine (in tea, coffee, cola, and in some medicines) triggers symptoms in some people. Try cutting out caffeine for a few weeks to see if it helps. Amphetamines and cocaine may also be a trigger.

Try to keep warm in cool weather or in cool environments

Keep your hands warm. Warm gloves are essential when you are out in cool weather.

Keep your whole body warm, not just your hands. Although your hands are the most important, symptoms are less likely to occur if you keep your entire body warm. So, wrap up warmly before going into cooler areas such as outside on cold days. For example, wear hats and scarves in addition to warm gloves.

It is best to put on the gloves when you are warm, before going into colder areas. Ideally, keep gloves in an airing cupboard or near a radiator so they will be warm when put on.

Try not to touch cold objects. For example, use a towel or gloves when removing food from the freezer or working with cold food.

Regular exercise is recommended by many experts. Exercise your hands frequently to improve the circulation.

When a bout or symptoms develops, warm the hands as soon as possible. Soaking the hands in warm running water is a good way to get warm (but take care that the water does not become too hot, or lose its heat and become cool).

Medication
A medicine called nifedipine may be advised if symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon are severe. It works by 'opening up' (dilating) the small blood vessels. Some people take nifedipine regularly, each day, to prevent symptoms. Some people take nifedipine just during the winter, or just during cold weather spells. If you are prescribed nifedipine, read the leaflet that comes in the medicine packet for a full list of possible side-effects and cautions.

Claim today!

If you, or someone you know has suffered, you are entitled to pursue a claim for the injuries and losses that you have suffered. Simply fill out our online form today and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Hand arm vibration
Date Posted : 14/12/2009 I went with Help U Claim earlier on in the year. They helped me claim back nursing home fees for my dad. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about using a claims company at first, but the people I had contact with at HUC were extremely helpful and professional throughout. Not only with me but (more importantly) my dad - which was my main concern. I'm glad to say that my experience was positive - you hear so many nightmare stories out there regarding claims companies. It seems a bit of a lottery at times, choosing one that's NOT after your money. Have just read that back...maybe I should be on some sought of commission from them!! View Post

Hand arm vibration
Date Posted : 10/12/2009 thanks for the quick reply...... i havent worked for the present company for more than 2 years, but i have done the same job all my life for various different employers ??? Cheers Steve PS has anyone dealt with Help U claim? View Post

Hand arm vibration
Date Posted : 09/12/2009

Hi steve h

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is the generic terms used to describe a variety of injuries incurred to the hands and arms caused through excessive exposure to vibrating tools. It's a relativley new term that has taken over (or trying to) from Vibration White Finger.

As for a possible claim: if you have worked for your company for 2 years or more in full time position. We would certainly be able to Help U.

Call us on 0800 118 5855.  Our services are free and we can get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

View Post

VWF
Date Posted : 09/12/2009

JT - i have just been diagnosed with HAVS ..... HAnd arm vibration i think it stands for .... do you know if this is the same as VWF and whether i can claim? ..... ill check the link you posted cheers steve

View Post

Hand arm vibration
Date Posted : 09/12/2009

I have just been diagnosed with HAVS (I think thats right .....) is this the same as VWF and can i make a claim?

Cheers

View Post

RSI Compensation Claim
Date : 22 Mar 2011

An RSI injury occurs as a result of repetitive, long term and excessive overuse of the hands, wrists, back or shoulders. The condition often leads to pain and suffering, having to take time off work and generally not knowing how to deal with the ongoing symptoms. All in all, this usually leads the RSI sufferer with no option but to make a claim for RSI compensation.

View News Article

Artist gives hand scare brush-off to paint again
Date : 15 Mar 2011

WHEN artist Leo du Feu first experienced a mild tingling sensation in his right hand while painting, he didn't think too much of it.

Just weeks later, he was diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) in both his hands, casting doubts over his career as a full-time artist.

The 26-year-old from Linlithgow, who predominantly paints landscape and wildlife pictures, was instructed by his doctor to down tools for six months, and has only recently picked up his paintbrush again. He said: "I absolutely love painting, so being told I couldn't do it for six months was quite depressing and I have gone through phases of feeling very low."

Source : www.news.scotsman.com
Link : http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Artist-gives-hand-scare-brushoff.6734339.jp

Massaging fat business fliers gave us RSI
Date : 08 Mar 2011

Two Virgin Atlantic beauty therapists suffered repetitive strain injury after giving massages to overweight businessmen, a court heard.

Jayne Evans, 40, claims she was left struggling with simple tasks such as pulling on jeans or slicing vegetables.

She and Michelle Hindmarch, 35, say they suffered chronic muscular pain in their shoulders, upper back and wrists after giving intensive shiatsu massage to business and first class passengers at the Clubhouse lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3. They are suing Virgin Atlantic for more than £500,000.

 

Theodore Huckle, counsel for the women, told the High Court they had been forced to end their careers, and the pain meant peeling carrots or taking a roast from the oven was beyond them. Mrs Evans, of Ruislip, was sent home after an arduous session in 2005 when a large male client asked her to massage even harder, the judge was told.

She is seeking £327,000 from Virgin for exposing her to the risk of injury. She is still at the firm in an office role. Mrs Hindmarch, of Banstead, is seeking £235,000. Virgin accepts liability but contests the extent of the injury and the level of damages. Judge Martin McKenna reserved judgment to a later date.

Source : www.thisislondon.co.uk
Link : http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23929886-massaging-fat-business-fliers-gave-us-rsi.do

Could your blow-dry poison you?
Date : 08 Mar 2011

When a rep selling a popular long-term hair straightening treatment visited Karen Dandy’s salon last year, the hairdresser was intrigued.

Assembling her team of stylists and two willing models, Karen watched as the treatment — dubbed the Brazilian blow-dry, and loved by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie — was applied.

Little more than 30 minutes into the process, when the models’ hair was heated with straighteners, all five people in the room began suffering headaches and nausea, with stinging eyes and sore throats. Karen and her staff found themselves inhaling a noxious chemical mist that rose to the salon ceiling and hung there in a cloud.

 

 

Source : www.dailymail.co.uk
Link : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1363620/Brazilian-blow-dry-uses-cocktail-chemicals-deeply-disturbing-effects.html

Bad body posture makes you a sitting duck
Date : 18 Feb 2011

If your job requires long hours of sitting then getting up from your desk and walking around a little every 20 minutes or so could help your body more than a 45-minute session at the gym, say experts.

Source : The Times of India
Link : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Bad-body-posture-makes-you-a-sitting-duck/articleshow/7522469.cms