Prolonged use of vibrating power tools and machinery can result in harmful levels of vibration being transmitted through the hands.
Excessive vibration can cause damage to the hands, wrists and arms by impairing blood circulation and damaging the nerves and joints.
Symptoms can include tingling fingers, numb finger, cold hands which may turn white (white finger), loss of strength and dexterity, aches and pains in the hands, wrists and forearms.
Hand arm vibration syndrome is also known as vibration white finger, however, white finger is just one of the common symptoms where some or all of the fingers, or just the tips, turn white and cold because of narrowing of blood vessels which restricts blood flow. The fingers then turn blue and then red (as the blood flow returns) with pain and tingling at the same time. This process is known as Raynaud's disease or just Raynaud's.
Vibration exposure can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome (also known as carpal syndrome or tunnel syndrome) which causes pain in the arms and wrists due to damage to the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel wrist surgery can alleviate the symptoms.
Body vibration can cause damage to other parts of the body, in particular the back.
Common power tools capable of causing white finger and Raynaud's include:-
- Jack hammer
- Road breaker
- Rock drill
- Handheld grinder
- Riveting hammer
- Chisel scaler
- Rotary drill
- Chipping hammer
- Disc sander
If you have ever worked with any of the above tools, or other vibrating power tools, and have started to experience problems with your hands or fingers contact us today to see if you are eligible to make a claim for compensation for your injuries.
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