Worker Receives Vibration Pay Out

A worker has received a £10,000 compensation payout after his hands were left permanently damaged by using vibrating tools at work. Keith Rowley, 55, a fitter from Stourbridge, has the debilitating condition Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as vibration white finger. His employer General Kinematics Ltd did not admit liability but settled the claim out of court.

Keith said: 'I first noticed a problem with my hands six years ago. Now they turn white and become painful in cold weather and I have to wear heated gloves. I've worked for General Kinematics for 12 years and during that time I've used vibrating tools on a daily basis.'

Legal Administrator of Keith’s Trade Union (GMB) Andrea Austin commented: 'HAVS is a widespread hazard for many of our members working in a number of different industries and occupations where power tools are used. It can be a debilitating condition which can adversely affect our members both at work and at home.' She added: 'Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 employers are required to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to health and safety to their employees arising from exposure to vibration at work.'