Are you among the 2million at risk of vibration white finger?

0

A LOCAL law firm is working to raise awareness of vibration white finger, a condition that affects over 300,000 people in the UK.
VWF, also known as Raynaud’s Syndrome or Raynaud’s Phenomenon, is a form of repetitive strain injury where blood vessels in the fingers periodically spasm, causing them to turn bluish-white, cold and very painful.
If you use certain power tools in the workplace, then you are among the 2million people at risk of developing VWF.
Johnson Law Solicitors, who specialise in personal injury law, have produced an infographic outlining the symptoms, which include tingling and numbness in the fingers, inability to feel or pick things up, loss of strength in the hands, and fingertips turning white and then red in cold, wet weather.
Speaking on behalf of Johnson Law, David Johnson said: “Using vibrating equipment and power tools is the leading cause of VWF, so if you use tools like pneumatic drills, sanders, chainsaws, compactors or lawn mowers at work, then you are at most risk of developing the condition.”
He added: “Using certain power tools for just 15 minutes at a time is enough to expose you to VWF and employers should enforce limits on using such equipment as a health and safety measure.”
There are steps that individuals can take to prevent VWF. Try to keep warm at work and wear gloves when in cold temperatures and exercise your hands and fingers regularly to help to maintain good circulation.
It is also essential to use vibration equipment for short bursts of time rather than long periods and for no longer than is necessary.
If you do develop symptoms they can be treated by improving your fitness and circulation, avoiding vibration equipment, stopping smoking and wrapping your hands as soon as an attack occurs.
David Johnson urges employees to speak to their employer if they feel at risk of VWF within the workplace.
“Employers have a duty to protect you and keep you informed of relevant health and safety issues. The effects of VWF cannot be underestimated. It’s a painful condition that in severe cases can cause permanent damage and require hospital treatment.”

For more details click here or click on the info-graphic


0 Comments
Share.

About Author

Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

Leave A Comment