Hand-arm vibration syndrome: A disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to vibration, specifically to the hands and forearms while using vibrating tools.
The Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is primarily caused by the use of vibrating hand-held tools, for instance, pneumatic jackhammers, drills, gas powered chain saws and electrical tools such as grinders. Such tools involve vibration which is transferred form the tool to the hands and arms of the person holding the tool.
In general, HAVS is irreversible and there is no effective treatment or cure. Medications can sometimes be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of blanching attacks, and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce pain symptoms.
Discussion. HAVS related impairment is disabling. Workers require improved resources and support to address symptom management and safe strategies to minimize work disability.
Provide your employees with protective clothing when necessary to keep them warm and dry. This will encourage good blood circulation which should help protect them from developing vibration white finger. Gloves can be used to keep hands warm, but should not be relied upon to provide protection from vibration.
According to an expert, Hand arm vibration can take six months to six years to develop, and after the fingers blanch, the condition is irreversible.
Introduction. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) can cause vibration white finger, a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, also painful joints and muscle weakening. There is also evidence that it may cause carpel tunnel syndrome.
Conclusion: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be distinguished from hand-arm vibration syndrome if all factors—anatomical, associated physiological and medical conditions, work exposure history, and ulnar nerve involvement—are evaluated. In some circumstances, the conditions may be present together.
HAVS should be suspected whenever vascular or neurologic damage of the hands is present in a worker exposed to vibration. HAVS can be identified with a combination of occupational history, neurovascular symptoms, and vascular imaging.
Purpose. Long-term vibrations are known to cause neurovascular diseases, which are common in workers who operate handheld power tools or motor vehicles. Understanding the neuropathology of vibration-induced nerve injury is critical to its prevention and treatment.
As long as a set of symptoms remains mysterious, it may be referred to as a specific syndrome. But if that name is used for a while, it may become the condition's permanent name, even after an underlying cause has been found.
If your hand shakes after using power tools you may be developing symptoms caused by nerve damage. Not only this, but the blood vessels and joints in your fingers, hands, wrists and arms can become badly damaged by using powerful vibratory tools.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), formerly known as 'vibration white finger', is a condition caused by exposure of the hands and arms to vibration when using hand held tools (e.g. pneumatic drills, grinders, chipping hammers).
The most common cause of shaky hands is essential tremor. This neurological disorder causes frequent, uncontrolled shaking, especially during movement. While there's no cure for most hand tremors, prescription medications and lifestyle changes may provide relief, depending on the cause.
Increased prevalence of CTS is reported in vibration-exposed workers as compared to unexposed workers, with an increased risk of OR 2.93 (95% CI 1.74–4.95).
See your doctor if you experience intermittent numbness or tingling in one or both hands. Get emergency medical care if the numbness: Began suddenly. Follows an injury or accident.
If your symptoms are slight and therefor do not affect your daily life, you may receive between £2,390 and £6,890. If the condition has caused moderate damage and you experience discomfort in colder weather, you could receive between £6,890 and £13,360.
Generally, the condition can take many years to develop and early symptoms can go unnoticed. Importantly, if you have suffered any degree of hand-arm vibration syndrome due to negligence by your employer then you may be eligible to make a HAVS compensation claim.
HAVS is serious and disabling, and nearly 2 million people are at risk. Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks.
The hand-arm vibration syndrome (sometimes abbreviated to HAVS) causes changes in the sensation of the fingers which can lead to permanent numbness of fingers, muscle weakness and, in some cases, bouts of white finger. It is caused by working with vibrating tools.