What is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome?
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, often abbreviated to HAVS, is a condition that affects individuals who regularly use vibrating hand-held tools or machinery. It is an occupational disease that results from prolonged exposure to vibrations transmitted to the hands and arms during work activities.
HAVS affects workers in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. HAVS is characterised by a set of symptoms that may develop gradually over time.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
- Hand-Arm Pain: Persistent pain and discomfort in the hands and arms.
- Tingling and Numbness: Sensations of tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling in the fingers.
- Reduced Grip Strength: Difficulty in holding objects firmly due to weakened grip strength.
- White Finger (Raynaud’s Phenomenon): Fingers may turn white, bluish, or red when exposed to cold temperatures or stress.
- Loss of Dexterity: Difficulty performing fine motor tasks and precision work.
- Loss of Sensation: Reduced ability to sense heat, cold, and touch in the hands and fingers.
Causes of HAVS
HAVS is primarily caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) from tools and equipment such as:
Pneumatic Drills
Chainsaws
Jackhammers
Grinders
Sanders
Impact Wrenches
The vibrating motion from these tools can damage blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the hands and arms, leading to the development of HAVS symptoms.
In the workplace, the lack of safety precautions for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome is a serious concern. Employees are regularly exposed to vibrating tools and equipment without adequate protection, putting their health and well-being at risk. The absence of measures such as anti-vibration tools, proper training, and regular risk assessments demonstrates a failure to prioritize worker safety. It’s important that employers take immediate action to rectify these issues and create a safer working environment.
Every worker has the right to a workplace that prioritizes their health and safety, especially when it comes to preventing occupational diseases like HAVS.
Call today on 0161 359 3719 to get your no win, no fee claim started.
Considering making a HAVS compensation claim?
Making a claim if you have or suspect you have hand vibration syndrome (HAVS) is essential for several reasons:
Medical Expenses: Treatment for hand arm vibration syndrome can be costly.
Lost Income: HAVS can lead to reduced work capacity, resulting in lost wages.
Pain and Suffering: HAVS can cause significant physical pain, discomfort, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation from a claim can acknowledge and alleviate the suffering caused by the condition.
Preventing Future Cases: Pursuing a claim can encourage employers to take workplace safety more seriously, implement necessary measures, and prevent future cases of HAVS for other workers.
Support for Your Family: Compensation from a HAVS claim can also support your family during your recovery, ensuring their financial stability and well-being.
Long-Term Implications: HAVS can have long-term consequences on your health and ability to work. Making a claim ensures you have the financial means to address these consequences over time.
So, if you have been diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or suspect you may have it and believe it’s the result of workplace exposure, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for compensation. Pursuing a HAVS claim can help you receive the support and financial assistance you need to cope with the challenges posed by this debilitating condition.
Therefore, if you believe that you are suffering with HAVS, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, providing you with the opportunity to discuss your situation with our experts and take the first step towards attaining the justice you rightfully deserve. Your health matters, and we are here to advocate for your rights and well-being.
Why make a claim with TDS Law?
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We understand that each case is unique, and our experienced lawyers work closely with our clients to ensure that we provide the best possible legal representation.
How TDS Law can help with your HAVS claim.
If you’re dealing with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), you don’t have to face it alone. We have a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with HAVS resulting from their workplace. Our approach is structured to ensure you get the assistance and compensation you deserve, maintaining the same order:
How TDS Law can help with your HAVS claim.
If you’re dealing with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), you don’t have to face it alone. We have a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with HAVS resulting from their workplace. Our approach is structured to ensure you get the assistance and compensation you deserve, maintaining the same order:
F&Q’s.
Are you uncertain about making an HAVS claim? See further common questions below.
Yes, in some circumstances. If you have already been diagnosed, then you have 3 years from the original diagnosis. However, if you have not yet been diagnosed with HAVS this time limit does not apply to you.
A claim with us it is on a no-win-no-fee basis. There is no up-front cost and any fee will be taken out of the ultimate settlement before you receive your compensation.
We cannot answer this question because HAVS compensation payouts vary drastically case to case. Once we have assessed your case, we may be able to give you better clarity on this.
No, your employer can not dismiss you for filing a HAVs claim against them. If they do it would be classes as an unfair dismissal, providing there are no other valid reasons for your dismissal.
The vast majority of the cases we manage are resolved without the need for court proceedings. If this isn’t the scenario, we take care of all the complex elements and compile the essential evidence to streamline the process, ensuring you obtain the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.