News and Knowledge

A Guide to HAVS/Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a prevalent occupational disease, affecting industrial workers who work with vibrating power tools.   To help understand this condition, we have collated a guide to HAVS. Here are the three main components of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: Vascular (in the form of secondary Raynaud phenomenon). Commonly referred to as…

What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injury – Symptoms, potential causes and treatments

Although thought of as a modern condition, RSI (repetitive Strain Injury) has long been documented in medical literature.   The Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (Often considered the father of occupational medicine) first described RSI in 20 different types of industrial workers in Italy as early as the 1700s.   What is RSI? RSI (Repetitive Strain…

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus – Frequently Asked Questions

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus are conditions that can be the result of many years of exposure to loud noise. Here we answer some frequently asked questions about claims made for these two surprisingly common conditions.   I have only started noticing hearing loss/Tinnitus recently and worked in noise over 20 years ago. Could…

A day of a Legal Assistant in the Industrial Disease Department

I have been working in the Industrial Department team as a legal assistant for nearly a year here at Oakwood Solicitors.   I would usually start my day by looking at my to do list that I have prepared the day before. I organise by way of priority, which tasks I have by those that…

Hepatitis A: What You Need to Know

I am currently investigating a claim for a maintenance worker client who contracted the Hepatis A virus at work, where he was clearing and unblocking toilets that were left in a poor state.   Background on Hepatitis A The Hepatitis A infection may result in no symptoms in some, especially children, but in adults typically…

How to try and avoid Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by repetitive movements, such as those working on a production line where you are required to do the same tasks throughout the day.   There are, however, a few things that you can do to try and reduce the risk of RSI or to reduce how severe your symptoms…

Football, Sports and Dementia. What is the link?

In the news recently, footballers who played with ‘classic’ footballs (a rubber inflatable bladder encased in brown leather panels) like Jeff Astle, have allegedly developed dementia due to heading footballs throughout their careers.   Professional footballers would often take part in certain training drills, which could include persistent heading of the ball and corner practice.…

Night Work and Cancer

New research points towards ‘night work’ having hazardous carcinogenic consequences. This article aims to determine whether you could be at risk. Could I be at risk due to my work? Around the globe, it is estimated that roughly 20% of all full-time employees are working in jobs that significantly disrupt their natural circadian rhythm (sleep-wake…

Hazardous Substances at Work – What protection should you be provided with?

The law requires employers to provide adequate health and safety measures in the workplace under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.   This includes personal protective equipment, when and where applicable. A hazardous substance is a substance that is hazardous to health. Substances can take many forms, and include: Chemicals Products containing chemicals…

Nerve Conduction Studies – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are used in the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Our exhaustive learning resource.