What is often referred to as ‘hand arm vibration syndrome’ (HAVS) is in fact a blanket term for a number of conditions, two of which in particular can result in compensation claims – either from the DWP in the form of Industrial Injuries Compensation or from employers for a failure in a duty of care.
The most common industrial injuries claim in recent years has been for vibration white finger. This is most commonly caused, as the name suggests, by vibrations associated with operating machinery. It is a disorder of the blood supply which may result in permanent loss of sensation in the fingers and difficulty in manipulating small objects.
New cases of vibration white finger assessed for industrial injuries compensation have fallen in recent years, from 645 in 2005/6 to 510 in 2006/7, the latest period for which figures are available.
Less easy to establish as an occupational disease is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This is a disease which affects 3% of men and 5% of women. It is a debilitating condition resulting from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, resulting in pain and numbness.
The carpal tunnel runs from the bottom of the wrist to the palm and is a ridge of bone and ligaments that protect the nerves and tendons that control movement in the hands. When the space inside this tunnel shrinks the pressure is put on the nerve.
Because the condition occurs spontaneously – it can be inherited or occur during pregnancy – it is more difficult to assign to a specific occupation, although it is known to be associated with operating vibrating machinery and with writing, typing and other repetitive movement of the hands and wrists.
Only CTS caused by hand-held vibrating machinery is recognised as a prescribed disease for industrial injuries compensation. Since it was recognised in 1993 new cases rose to a peak in 2003 and have since fallen. The figure of 435 new cases in 2007 was the lowest since 1999/2000.