A road worker has received £42,000 following injuries caused by exposure to vibrating tools. UNISON secured the compensation for the man who was working for Derbyshire County Council when he suffered vibration white finger (VWF). He had been working for the council since 1973, and repeated exposure to vibrating tools caused him to suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome and VWF. Throughout his employment he was never provided with adequate protective equipment or medical surveillance.
Hand arm vibration (HAV), which includes VWF, is a major cause of occupational ill health and according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around five million workers are exposed to it in the workplace. Two million of these experience levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing disease. Every year there are around 3,000 new claims for industrial industry disability benefit in relation to VWF and vibration related carpal tunnel syndrome.
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations SI 2005/1093, employers have a responsibility to assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to HAV. Where the risks are low, the actions taken can be simple and inexpensive. But where the risks are high, employers need to manage them using a prioritised action plan. Control measures to reduce vibration should be applied and the correct information, training and health surveillance provided.
