Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including its common form known as vibration white finger, is a serious industrial injury caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools and machinery. It affects blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands, resulting in pain, numbness and loss of dexterity. If your employer failed to protect you from this preventable condition, you may be entitled to compensation.
HAVS is still a major issue in areas like Malmesbury, where construction, agriculture, and engineering are common industries. If you’ve developed HAVS or vibration white finger due to poor working practices, Marley Solicitors can help you make a no win, no fee compensation claim.
What is HAVS, and how does the white finger develop vibration?
HAVS is caused by long-term exposure to hand-held vibrating tools, such as:
- Power drills
- Angle grinders
- Pneumatic drills or jackhammers
- Chainsaws and strimmers
- Sanders and polishers
Vibration white finger (VWF) is a symptom of HAVS and gets its name from the way fingers blanch and turn white due to restricted blood flow, especially in cold conditions. It’s often triggered by exposure to cold or damp environments, which are common in outdoor and industrial workplaces.
Early signs include tingling or numbness in the fingers, loss of strength and reduced grip. If untreated, symptoms can become permanent and life-altering.
Can I make a HAVS or vibration white finger claim in Malmesbury?
Yes. If you’ve worked with vibrating tools and your employer failed to provide:
- Regular health monitoring
- Proper training
- Adequate breaks from exposure
- Suitable personal protective equipment
- Well-maintained tools with low vibration levels
You may have grounds for a compensation claim. Marley Solicitors has helped workers across Wiltshire, including in and around Malmesbury, recover damages for industrial injuries like HAVS.
What are the symptoms of HAVS and vibration white finger?
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling and numbness in fingers
- Fingers turning white in cold weather
- Loss of manual dexterity
- Pain and discomfort when using hands
- Weak grip or dropping objects frequently
- Sensitivity to cold
These symptoms can affect your ability to work, drive or carry out basic daily tasks. Over time, HAVS can become disabling.
What jobs are most at risk in Malmesbury?
While HAVS can affect any profession using vibrating tools, common high-risk industries in Malmesbury include:
- Agricultural workers using strimmers or chainsaws
- Builders and groundworkers using drills and compactors
- Manufacturing staff handling vibrating machinery
- Mechanics using air tools or sanders
- Council workers and landscapers using power tools outdoors
Local employers that rely heavily on power tools and outdoor labour are often found in the town’s industrial estates and construction zones.
What should I do if I think I have HAVS?
- See a medical professional – Your GP or occupational health specialist can confirm the diagnosis
- Keep records – Note your symptoms, tool usage, employer details and dates of employment
- Speak to Marley Solicitors – We’ll assess your case for free and guide you through next steps
- Avoid further exposure – If possible, stop using vibrating tools until you’ve been properly assessed
- Collect witness evidence – Co-workers may support your account of working conditions
How the claims process works
At Marley Solicitors, our HAVS claim process is designed to be clear, efficient and low-stress:
- Free initial consultation – We evaluate your situation and eligibility
- Evidence gathering – We collect medical reports, employment history and tool use logs
- Formal notification – We notify your employer or their insurer of the claim
- Negotiation – Our team works to secure a fair out-of-court settlement
- Court representation (if needed) – If required, we will represent you through litigation
We handle all claims on a no win, no fee basis, so you don’t pay unless your claim is successful.
Case study: A successful HAVS claim in Wiltshire
Mark, a 45-year-old builder from near Malmesbury, developed HAVS after 15 years of operating pneumatic drills without proper PPE. He noticed numbness and tingling in his fingers, which eventually turned white during colder months.
His employer never offered vibration training or monitored exposure. Marley Solicitors helped him gather evidence, including testimonies from former co-workers and a detailed report from his GP. Within 9 months, we secured a settlement of £28,000, which covered loss of income, ongoing treatment and retraining in a lower-risk role.
How much compensation can I claim for HAVS or vibration white finger?
The amount depends on:
- The severity and permanence of your symptoms
- Your ability to continue working
- Loss of past or future earnings
- Cost of treatment or adjustments
- Emotional impact and loss of enjoyment
Compensation may include:
- General damages for pain, suffering and reduced quality of life
- Special damages for income loss, medical bills and rehabilitation
- Future loss if you are unable to work or retrain
Typical awards:
- Mild HAVS: £2,000–£7,000
- Moderate: £8,000–£18,000
- Severe and disabling: £20,000–£35,000+
Proving employer negligence in HAVS claims
To build a strong claim, Marley Solicitors will prove that:
- Your employer owed you a duty of care
- They failed to monitor vibration levels or provide safeguards
- This failure led to your condition
- You suffered harm as a result
We use:
- Occupational health assessments
- Risk assessments or lack thereof
- Witness evidence
- Medical records and diagnostic reports
- Tool vibration logs and usage patterns
Long-term effects and support for HAVS sufferers
Living with HAVS affects more than your hands. It can impact your job, hobbies and mental wellbeing. You may struggle to hold objects, write, type or do manual work. Some people have to change careers entirely.
We help clients not only get compensation but also access:
- NHS and private medical care
- Occupational therapy
- Career retraining and rehabilitation
- Psychological support for depression or anxiety linked to disability
Frequently asked questions
Can I still claim if I left the job years ago?
Yes. You usually have 3 years from the “date of knowledge” – when you became aware your condition was linked to your work. Marley Solicitors can help determine if your case is still valid.
What if I worked for more than one employer?
We can still help. You may be able to claim against multiple companies or assign primary liability to one. Our team will investigate and advise.
Will I need to go to court?
Most HAVS claims settle without court proceedings. However, we prepare every case as if it could go to court to ensure maximum leverage during negotiations.
Is my employer allowed to fire me for making a claim?
No. Dismissing or treating you unfairly for making a legitimate claim would be unlawful. You are protected under UK employment law.
How long does the process take?
Every case is different, but most HAVS claims settle within 6 to 12 months. Complex cases may take longer if there is a dispute or multiple employers involved.
Speak to a solicitor who understands vibration injury claims
If you’re suffering from HAVS or vibration white finger in Malmesbury, don’t ignore the symptoms. These injuries are serious, and you deserve compensation if your employer failed to protect you.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you claim what you’re owed – without the stress.
