White finger sufferers ‘should make compensation claims’

Posted 08/09/2009

Workers who contract the industrial disease vibration white finger have been advised that they may be entitled to compensation claims.

Medical expert Dr Martin Scurr has stated that labourers who have suffered hand damage as a result of working with vibrating tools should seek legal advice on whether or not they are victims of safety negligence.

The GP told the Daily Mail that employers are responsible for preventing conditions such as vibration white finger by providing safe methods of work, such as by providing appropriate cushioning gloves.

Failing to do so constitutes a potentially serious risk, with the Health and Safety Executive stating that vibration-related injuries can cause painful and potentially permanent damage to arms and hands.

Dr Scurr therefore recommended that any people who have contracted health conditions from such work investigate whether they are eligible for industrial injury compensation.

He said: “In this day and age negligence is unacceptable.”