A Guide to HAVS/Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Home » News & Knowledge » A Guide to HAVS/Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is a common occupational disease, affecting industrial workers who handle vibrating power tools.

To help understand this condition, our Industrial Disease team has created a guide to HAVS (the common abbreviation for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome).

Guide to HAVS

The three main components of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Vascular – Affecting the blood vessels – arteries and capillaries. Commonly called ‘Vibration White Finger’ or ‘white finger’.
Sensorineural – Nerve damage
Musculoskeletal – Painful joints, muscles and tendons. Usually in the upper limbs.

In its later stages, HAVS can contribute to disability and a poor quality of life. The prevalence of this condition in workers exposed is around 50%.

When are symptoms likely to become apparent?

Symptoms usually appear in middle age, but can be seen in younger people with high-intensity interaction with tools that cause vibration, such as pneumatic drills. The latency period is around four years.

What are the symptoms of HAVS?

Raynaud’s phenomenon – the skin of the affected areas can turn white or blue, accompanied by numbness or a tingling sensation.
Symptoms often start on the dominant hand (the hand you use for writing, etc.)
Begins at the fingertips and moves down toward the base of the palm.
Occasionally in late stages, fingers may become permanently blue or purple (cyanotic) and develop tissue necrosis or even gangrene.
Pain and cold sensations can become chronic.
Tingling of the fingers may also cause reduced range of movement in colder weather.

How is HAVS diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually occurs when other conditions have been ruled out. Primary Raynaud and other causes of Secondary Raynaud phenomenon should be dismissed before a HAVS diagnosis is given.

Autoimmune rheumatic disease and similar conditions can cause similar symptoms to HAVS, so after other possible causes are dismissed a diagnosis can be given.

Work history and physical examination

At least two years of exposure to vibratory tools needs to have occurred immediately before the onset of vascular disease. Also, a history of previous work to show if there was any other chance for potential exposure. The type of vibration tool should also be obtained.

A precordial examination should be performed to rule our cardiovascular issues:

The Allen Test assesses blood flow and circulation
The Adson Test rules out the possibility of vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).

Management and prevention

Attention should be paid to Vibration White Finger, as it is the most recognised form of HAVS. A reduction in exposure to vibration, or preventing exposure entirely is the best way to treat HAVS and may increase the chances to continue working.

If use of vibration tools cannot be avoided – protection equipment, engineering control and changes at work will help manage the condition. For example, having breaks from exposure during work.

Avoiding cold conditions and vibration exposure will help manage the onset of Raynaud attacks. Also, stopping smoking may be beneficial.

What prognosis does the condition have?

HAVS may lead to poor quality of life. It is linked to psychological stress and a reduction in general wellbeing. Spotting the condition early can lead to a greater chance of producing functional outcomes. Chances of recovery are higher for those with less exposure.

How do I make a compensation claim for HAVS?

If you have read the above and feel that you may be suffering from any of the symptoms of vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome whilst exposed to vibration at work, contact us to speak to our dedicated Industrial Disease team.

In order to run most Personal Injury claims, you have to have started the claim within three years of the injury.

However, with Industrial Disease claims, it may be that the injury started over a period of time and was only diagnosed within the last three years. We will be able to clarify this for you.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors to make my compensation claim?

We have an experienced and dedicated in-house Industrial Disease team. They are able to identify whether a claim is likely to be viable at an early stage and give advice.

Our team works with an extensive network of orthopedic surgeons and hand surgeons, have dealt with a number of claims in all areas of Industrial Disease, and have achieved some excellent results.

If there are no risk assessments and the Defendants argue that the risk to your health should have been known, a report from an Ergonomist may be required.

These experts would consider the systems in place and whether they were reasonable in all circumstances. If required, this is something that we will arrange for you during your claim.