Labour Research July 2003

Features: Health and safety matters

Vibration white finger

Workers suffering from vibration white finger (VWF) have submitted claims for compensation to Edinburgh city council. Public services union UNISON is backing at least two dozen claims after checks found workers had the debilitating condition. VWF is brought on by years of using vibrating machinery such as snowploughs, drills and jackhammers. Some workers have been told they may have to give up their jobs as a result of the condition. VWF can cause loss of dexterity, blanching of fingers and hands, pins and needles and cold sensitivity.