VIBRATION WHITE FINGER - VWF

Vibration White Finger Compensation Claim

Many are familiar with RSI or repetitive strain injury suffered by those involved in repeated motions at work such as carpal tunnel syndrome. There is however also a very common but little known work induced disease known as vibration white finger (VWF) in which sufferers develop white and cold fingers with a tingling sensation and/or numbness. It is estimated that over 300,000 people suffer from vibration white finger in the UK which is primarily developed by those that work with hand held vibratory tools including chain saws, pneumatic drills, grinders and riveting tools. The highest number of vibration white finger compensation claims arises from the construction industry although vibration white finger does occur across a very wide range of industrial processes.

VWF Risks – 1970 Cut Off Date

In the UK vibration white finger compensation claims can only be sustained if you were exposed to vibrating tools leading to the disease after 1971. UK law clearly states that anyone exposed to risks in the work place that could lead to vibration white finger prior to 1970 does not have a valid claim, because employers were not aware of the disease or the risks associated with the use of vibrating tools prior to that date.

VWF Compensation & Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

There is no cure for vibration white finger which can include irreparable damage to nerves, joints and/or muscles. Prevention is the only way to avoid this debilitating industrial disease. If you are diagnosed with vibration white finger it is important to contact a specialist personal injury solicitor to receive advice on vibration white finger compensation claims. It’s also important to collect medical evidence of the disease and of the cause of the disease including a list of all previous employers where exposure to vibration may have taken place. In severe cases it may also be possible to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for vibration white finger.

No Win No Fee - Specialist Personal Injury Solicitors

If you have developed vibration white finger due to your employers negligence in failing to properly deal with health and safety matters in the workplace you should take legal advice from an experienced solicitor about the possibility of making a compensation claim for personal injury. You should act as quickly as there are time limits and a potential claim can become statute barred meaning that the opportunity to claim compensation can be lost forever.