WHAT
EFFECTS DO THESE INJURIES HAVE ON PEOPLE?
The injuries can be painful and disabling, for example:
▼ painful finger blanching attacks (triggered by cold or wet conditions);
▼ loss of sense of touch and temperature;
▼ numbness and tingling;
▼ loss of grip strength;
▼ loss of manual dexterity.
In addition, they may affect work and leisure activities. People may:
▼ need to avoid further exposure to vibration, or cold and wet conditions;
▼ have difficulty handling tools and materials and with tasks requiring fine finger manipulation.
DO
MANY PEOPLE GET THESE INJURIES?
HSE estimates that there are around 36 000 people with an advanced stage of vibration
white finger (VWF), which is the most well-known form of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Hundreds of new cases of VWF are assessed each year by the Department of Social
Security under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme.VWF is also one of the
most common reasons for occupational ill health claims made against employers.
WHICH
JOBS AND INDUSTRIES ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE
AFFECTED BY HAV?
Jobs requiring regular and frequent use of vibrating tools and equipment are found in a
wide range of industries, for example:
▼ building and maintenance of roads and railways;
▼ concrete products;
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▼ construction;
▼ forestry;