What is Vibration White Finger?

Vibration White Finger or VWF is often referred to as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.  It used to be referred to as Vibration White Finger until it was realised there were many more symptoms connected to the condition than simply having white fingers.  Vibration White Finger is an industrial injury which mainly affects people who operate hand-held vibrating power tools such as chainsaws, grinders, hammers, impact wrenches, pneumatic drills, sanders, trimmers or other power tools for a number of years.

Vibration White Finger is caused by the vibrations from the power tools which cause minor injuries to the nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. The longer a person works with the vibrating power tools, the more minor injuries will be caused, which, in time, accumulate to cause Vibration White Finger.
 

What are the symptoms of Vibration White Finger?

The symptoms of VWF include fingers turning white, a loss of manual dexterity and a lack of grip strength. The effects can be accentuated in cold weather and are made all the more painful when the blood returns to the fingers, causing them to turn red and sometimes blue, accompanies by an uncomfortable throbbing.
 
Research has shown that smoking, caffeine, some medicines and some drugs can make the effects of VWF worse, so it is recommended to try and give these up.  Exercise and keeping warm are good ways to combat VWF.  It is also known that women are nine times more likely to suffer form the disease than men.

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Vibration White Finger Compensation