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Driller Wins £38,000 After HAVS Diagnosis

A man who worked with drilling machinery for many years has secured compensation after he developed hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

From 1998 until 2004 he had worked in road construction, using a pneumatic drill for several hours at a time. He then worked as a driller helping to demolish prisons.

He first experienced symptoms of HAVS in 2008, when he began to suffer from pins and needles. He went on to develop whiteness in his fingers as well as other common symptoms of the disease. It was only in 2013 that he was given training in the safe use of vibrating machinery – around the same time that he was diagnosed with HAVS. The disease, also known as vibration white finger, is caused by use of vibrating tools over an extended period.

The man contacted solicitors with a view to making a personal injury claim, and has now secured a settlement of £38,000. He still works for the firm which employed him before his diagnosis but, as a result of his condition, his job no longer involves using vibrating machinery. He continues to experience pain, especially in cold weather, and the disease interferes with his ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

For further information on this topic, see the Health and Safety Executive's website.

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