Payouts for white finger

The regulations have been introduced to protect workers from damage caused by vibration from mechanical tools, characterised by tingling and/or numbness in the fingers, which can lead to intense pain, especially in cold conditions. Sufferers typically take months to recover and may suffer permanent damage in severe cases.

David Wiggs, of Vizards Wyeth solicitor said of the regulations: “At present at least 300,000 workers have reported symptoms of hand-arm vibration but this figure is likely to escalate dramatically with the advent of the new law and more cases being profiled in the media.”

More than 5 million workers in the UK are exposed to vibration from mechanical tools, and about 2 million are exposed at levels where there are risks of developing hand-arm vibration.

Wiggs estimated that the 300,000 reported cases could produce compensation claims totalling £9bn.

The implementation of the directive is partly seen as an admission that employers haven’t necessarily been following a good practice approach towards the control of occupational exposure to vibration,” says Wiggs.

“Until now there have been no specific laws but the general provisions of the Health and Safety Work Act 1974 apply and the Health and Safety Executive issues notes on good practice to prevent and minimise risks.”