Hand-arm vibration syndrome: a guide for nurses

Abstract

It is estimated that 1.2 million workers are now exposed to hazardous levels of vibration in their work. In the year 1995-1996, over 3,000 new cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome were assessed by the Department of Social Security (DSS) under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme. Formerly called vibration white finger, it is the most common of all diseases assessed by the DSS, with the majority of workers affected having up to 14 per cent disability. This article explains the syndrome and its management.