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Plater receives more compensation after further exposure to vibrating tools
Exposed to vibrating tools at work
A plater who suffered permanent damage to his hands after he was exposed to vibrating tools at work has received £12,000 in compensation.
The 54-year-old from Doncaster developed painful Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) after working with vibrating machinery for 25 years.
Both conditions can affect people who use hand-held vibrating power tools over a number of years.
He was first diagnosed with HAVS in 2003 and received £4,500 in compensation for the condition. Over subsequent years his employers continued to fail to protect him from excessive exposure and his condition worsened.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
The HAVS began to spread to his palms and he started to suffer from loss of dexterity in his fingers and developed CTS.
By 2008 his hands became so bad he needed surgery to treat the CTS on his left hand. He is awaiting an operation on his right hand.
He still works for the firm but must monitor the type of tools he uses.
Following his diagnosis of CTS he contacted his trade union, the GMB, which instructed its lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
The employer did not admit liability but settled the claim out of court.
HAVS is a well known risk for workers exposed to excessive levels of vibration from tools
The GMB member said: “When I began to suffer from loss of dexterity I had no idea what Carpal Tunnel was. I thought it was my HAVS getting worse. When my GP said it was likely that my work was causing the CTS I got in touch with the GMB as I knew that their legal services would be able to help me.
“Thompsons has been great helping me to claim for the worsening of my HAVS and the onset of CTS.”
Tim Roache, regional secretary at the GMB added: “Any employer which has members of staff using vibrating tools must have a policy in place to ensure they are monitored and do not get exposed to excessive use. The fact that this member had already been diagnosed with HAVS and then was continually put in a position where he was using vibrating tools excessively is unacceptable.”
Nicola Shepherdson from Thompsons Solicitors said: “HAVS is a well known risk for workers exposed to excessive levels of vibration from tools. This employer has no excuse for our client developing not one, but two conditions, as a result of them failing to monitor his working conditions.”
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Compensation Claim Advice
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 personal injury compensation claim forms.
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