The history of Vibration White Finger

The following is a brief history of Vibration White Finger through the ages . . .

1839: Pneumatic tools were introduced into the French mines. By 1890 such tools were being used extensively.

1862: French Physician, Dr Maurice Raynard, identified Primary Raynard’s Phenonmenon in his thesis “Local asphyxia and symmetrical gangrene of the extremities”. Also describes the condition of “dead hand” known as white finger.

1911: Lorgia reported “dead fingers” amongst the Italian miners who used pneumatic tools.

1918: Hamilton and Leake recognized the link between exposure to vibration and the symptoms. It was noted that the severity of symptoms was directly related to the degree of use of the power tools. These reports were concerned with pneumatically driven tools only. However in the 1940s and 1950s electrically powered rotating tools were implicated.

First reports of HAVS syndrome in specific tools users

1911: Compressed air tools

1931: Grinding wheels

1940: Cutlery grinding

1945: Fettlers, riveters, caulkers and polishers

1962: Jack-leg and stopper drills

1964: Chain saws

1979: Brush cutters

1996: Power screwdrivers

1997: Pneumatic knives

1946: Earliest UK reported case involving HAVS in a matter – Fitzsimmenn V Ford Motor Co.Ltd. This was not a claim in negligence but under the Workman’s Compensation Acts.

1974: Health and Safety at work act 1974

1975: Dr Pelmear developed first medical Classification Acts

If you think you have the symptoms of white finger or have been diagnosed with the condition and would like free advice on whether to claim compensation, call us on 0800 783 9535 or complete the online claims form.

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