Information on filing VWF claims 14/7/2011

Vibration White Finger is commonly known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

It\'s a condition that affects the nerves and the vascular system in a person\'s arm, hand, wrist, palm, fingers, thumbs. Men have a higher predisposition to developing this condition than women because men are the ones responsible of doing the heavy duty work.

The mining industry is a source of this condition, as this environment is the one responsible for the use of heavy machinery, drills, and tools that use vibration. Power tools like grinders, chain saws, hammers, impact wrenches, sanders, trimmers, and pneumatic drills are the culprits causing VWF and this affliction occurs to people who have a high frequency of using these machines on a day to day basis for several years. Metal workers and construction workers are also at risk of encountering VWF during their lifetime and deciding they need to file VWF claims.

Statistics indicate that one out of ten people who operate within an industry of this sort or use heavy machinery or power tools that involve shocks and vibration become damaged for life, being unable to carry on their duties with a normal standard. Once VFW occurs it is irreversible.

Companies can take the following measures to reduce the number of VWF claims issued:

• Companies and employers in particular are responsible for the constant increase in cases and should therefore increase their norms and regulations and inform their employees on the risks as well as take as many precautionary measures as possible.
• Workers need protective gear and the company can also change the equipment they use to tools that have lower vibrations.
• Proper maintenance and surveillance is necessary and a schedule that involves regular breaks should be implemented.
• Specialized training from professionals should be ensured so all personnel is qualified to handle working with vibration tools.
• Physical exercises for their hands should be performed regularly to maintain a steady blood flow.
• The distribution and use of anti-vibration gloves.
• Working in an environment that allows decent temperatures.

VWF claims can be filled in the event any or all of the above mentioned rules are not followed as letter of law. The compensation a person suffering from HAVS and filing for VWF claims is determined based on the level of the personal injury, the amount of time lost, the physical pain, and the mental & emotional stress a person who develop this condition has to endure.

All persons who have been active in such a work environment and have been experiencing numbness in their fingers, tingling sensations in their palms, skin discoloration, cold sensations in their hands from reduced blood flow circulation, pain in their arms, hands, fingers that seems to last for long periods of time should proceed to file VWF claims as a state of emergency.

Medical attention and reporting your current condition to your employer are top priority, followed by contacting a solicitor that can advise you on how to legally file VWF claims.