A plater who was permanently injured because of using vibrating tools at work has been awarded a compensation payout of £12,000.
The 54-year-old man developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after he had used vibrating machine tools at work for more than 20 years.
Reports say that he had already received £4,500 in compensation for HAVS in 2003 but that his employer failed to introduce adequate protection from over-exposure to vibration and the condition worsened. The condition spread to the palms of his hands and he lost some ease of movement in his fingers. The continued exposure to vibration also brought on CTS.
In 2008, his condition had deteriorated so badly that he required CTS surgery in one hand and is awaiting a procedure on the other hand. The man still works for the same employer but must be careful which tools he uses and for how long. His employer has not accepted responsibility for the conditions but the claim was settled out of court.
The man’s union said that employers which have members of staff using vibrating tools must have a policy in place to ensure they are monitored and do not get exposed to excessive use.