VWF is a painful and debilitating industrial disease. Also known as Traumatic Vasospastic Disease, Dead Fingers or Spastic anaemia, symptoms include the blanching of fingers (hence the name white finger) and pins and needles. VWF is often accompanied by pain and aching which leads to numbness and a lack of co-ordination.

Thousands of people suffer from VWF as a result of extensive use of pneumatic drills, grinders, chainsaws, sanders, lawnmowers, etc. It is one of the most common reasons for occupational ill health claims made against employers. Industries where it was particularly common include: road and railway maintenance; construction; forestry; foundries and heavy industry; mines and quarries; concrete production; and maintenance of public services and utilities e.g. water, electric, gas, etc.

Many cases result in a claim for damages against negligent employers and we have dealt with a number of successful claims relating to vibration white finger