Vibration white finger is a type of industrial injury where the small blood vessels in the hand start to spasm, interrupting the blood supply to one or more fingers and causing them to turn white. The condition is the result of cumulative damage caused by working with vibrating machinery for extended periods of time, and it can be disabling. It is also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and it is a type of Raynaud's disease, a condition characterized by interruptions to the blood supply in the extremities. Treatments are available to address this vascular problem.
People who work with vibrating machinery may handle it for many hours per day, often with the hands and arms under tension to control and direct the machinery, as seen when someone uses a jackhammer. This vibration damages the blood vessels, resulting in periodic spasms. When the blood vessels constrict, the fingers start to turn white, and then blue. As the vessels relax again and blood rushes back, the finger can turn bright red. Numbness and tingling may develop and patients may report a burning sensation upon the restoration or circulation.
Usually people notice vibration white finger when it is cold. The cold causes vessel spasms, leading to whiteness of the fingers. In addition, the patient will have less manual dexterity. The fingers may feel thick and clumsy. It can be difficult to operate tools or complete fine motor tasks like writing. Warming the hands up should restore circulation. Over time, the vibration white finger may become more severe, with the patient experiencing more prolonged bouts of interrupted blood supply. This can result in tissue death and the need for amputation.
To prevent industrial injuries associated with vibration, dampeners and other tools can be part of a worker's routine to reduce the exposure to vibration. Tool designers may work on low-vibration styles or isolated triggers and handles so workers are not handling vibrating equipment all day long. People may also take regular rest breaks during the day to stretch and relax the hands. If workers start to experience numbness, pain, tingling, and finger discoloration, they should report these symptoms to a supervisor and discuss health and safety measures to arrest the damage.
If vibration white finger is not treated and a worker continues to handle vibrating tools and machinery, the damage will grow worse over time. In cases where fingers need to be amputated because of tissue death, this can pose a serious problem for the patient, as it may not be possible to work after amputation of one or more fingers. Unsafe working conditions leading to disability can be grounds for a lawsuit, allowing workers to recover lost wages associated with missed work, as well as compensation for future wages they will not earn as a result of the vibration white finger.