This work-related condition is triggered by the use of hand held pneumatic / air fed and electric power tools – activity that can also cause other health problems, which is why it is so important to protect against.

As an occupational health provider, we have seen our fair share of work-related conditions and know everything there is to know about them, so we thought it’d be handy to give our clients and their employees an insight into just what our services can prevent…

Factfile

• HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent.
• 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.

What?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms, as a result of using vibrating tools. It used to be called vibration white finger – the name was changed to HAVS, as other symptoms may occur in addition to white fingers.

Initially, nerves are affected, leading to changes in sensation. This can then be followed by Raynaud’s phenomenon resulting from changes in the blood vessels and resulting in a white finger. Changes like this then lead to muscular aches and pains.

Causes

The repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools, i.e. power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc, causes HAVS. Similarly, it can be triggered by holding or working with other machinery that vibrates.

Symptoms

You may notice some numbness or tingling that “comes and goes”, as well as eventually a weakening of your grip strength (you may find it more difficult to fasten buttons, thread, handle nails / screws / coins etc). There will also be minor damage to the muscles, joints and bones in the hands and lower arms. HAVS can be followed by bouts of Raynaud’s phenomenon on cold, wet, and windy days affecting the ends of one or more fingers.

Symptoms may remain mild, but can progress if you continue to work with vibrating tools. As the condition develops, numbness becomes permanent. This leads to muscle weakness and wasting.

DID YOU KNOW: Raynaud’s phenomenon can be common (Primary Raynaud’s) and is diagnosed in the under-30s with no treatment required (just extra caution). If your fingers start to cool and whiten, before changing to a blue colour and then red, if could be a strong sign of Raynaud’s (seek medical advice).

Treatment

If possible, stop using vibrating tools – this may prevent symptoms from getting worse. Once you’ve done this, you may find that bouts of Raynaud’s phenomenon may ease off (if the symptoms were only mild).

Ideally, you should consider a change of job if you cannot stop using such tools / machinery.

If you’d like to know more about the occupational health services, training and consultancy that we provide, why not call us on 07720 956789 or if you like what you hear, follow us at @BusinessHealth_.