Regular workplace use of hand-held or hand-guided tools can lead to a range of industrial injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome and vibration white finger (VWF) – a form of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Alternatively known as ‘dead finger’, VWF can initially appear benign, as symptoms disappear in the short term. However, the effects of continual vibration are cumulative, and the extended exposure may result in serious permanent injury. An entirely preventable condition, safety and operations managers can avoid harm to workers through accurate risk identification and the employment of suitable precautions and practices.

HAVS is triggered through use of common workplace tools and machinery. Hand-held tools are frequently employed across virtually every industry sector. Those that put workers at risk range from the obvious – such as pneumatic drills, jackhammers and powered chainsaws – through to riveting tools, impact wrenches and grinding wheels, particularly pedestal grinders. In fact, any equipment or piece of hand-guided machinery that causes the user to feel tingling or numbness after five minutes of continuous use is creating risk.