Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Hand-arm vibration definition

What does Hand-arm vibration mean? In legal practice, hand–arm vibration means vibration transmitted to a worker’s hands and arms by powered tools and machinery, and the associated risk of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger and carpal tunnel symptoms. It commonly arises from prolonged, repeated use of tools such as pneumatic drills, grinders, breakers and chainsaws. The expression is descriptive, but exposure standards and duties are set by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (Great Britain), the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (Ireland). These implement the...

HAVS/VWF workplace claims: liability, employer’s date of knowledge, limitation, medical and engineering evidence, and quantum

Published by a LexisNexis PI & Clinical Negligence expert

Practice notes

Symptomology

The clearest sign of Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), sometimes called vibration white finger (VWF), is blanching of the fingers caused by spasms of the blood vessels that serve them, leading to pallor. Such spasms may involve all or part of one, several, or even every finger, which then become cold and numb, with reduced sensation. Episodes may persist for a few minutes or continue for a couple of hours. It is also possible for similar attacks to arise in the feet or the nose. There is no curative treatment, though spontaneous improvement may occur over time. The condition may occur naturally, yet it is frequently associated with over-exposure to vibrating tools. Its aetiology has not always been understood and, crucially for litigation in these cases, the courts have Limited Liability to periods after which Employers ought reasonably to have been aware of the risks of HAVS and the appropriate preventive practices to adopt. Accordingly, to succeed a claimant must show that their exposure to vibrating tools exceeded what a prudent employer should have allowed...

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Tom Pacey

12 King's Bench Walk

Thomas appears regularly in Fast Track matters and has conducted a number of Multi-Track cases through to trial. He has experience of acting in substantial High Court litigation as Junior Counsel and has appeared in the High Court in his own right on interlocutory matters. He has an extensive paperwork practice and is happy to advise on a CFA. Particular expertise includes road traffic accidents, employers' liability of all kinds, sports injuries and cases in which medical causation is disputed. Lexis®PSL Personal Injury About Lexis®PSL ...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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