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News Desk | News Story
19th November 2009
David Hopps, 65, from Doncaster was left with the debilitating condition Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as Vibration White Finger, after using vibrating tools in his job at Drax Power Station, Selby, Yorkshire.
The condition means he suffers pain in his hands and it makes outdoor activities in the winter difficult.
HAVS is an industrial injury which affects many people who operate hand-held vibrating power tools over a number of years.
Its symptoms can differ greatly but common complaints are numbness in the fingertips, discolouration of the skin and general aches and pains in the hands, arms and fingers.
David, who worked as a maintenance craftsman and then as a planner during his 12 years at Drax, said: “I noticed problems with my hands years ago but I didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t until I mentioned it to a colleague that he suggested it might be HAVS. I went to my doctor who said it was likely I had the condition. This was confirmed by tests.
“I worked with vibrating tools on a daily basis while with Drax. The condition means I have to be careful with my hands particularly through the winter. If it is a cold day I cannot do the gardening and have to protect my hands or they get very sore.”
Following his diagnosis David contacted his union Unite which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Drax didn’t admit liability but settled the claim out of court.
Davey Hall, regional secretary of Unite said: “HAVS affects many of our members working with vibrating tools. Like David most have no idea that the condition is permanent and caused by their work. Despite there being regulations in 2005 requiring them to do so, too many employers fail to make a proper assessment of the risk to their employees from exposure to vibration.
Simon Wood at Thompsons Solicitors added: “HAVS can prevent sufferers from being able to work effectively, particularly in cold conditions. It can take many workers years to realise that problems with their hands are related to their workplace.
“Drax should have assessed the levels of vibration that workers were exposed to by hand-held tools and the amount of time the tools could safely be used. A simple medical would have identified if employees were beginning to develop HAVS.”
If you or someone you know has developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim including Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claims. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.