Vibration white finger
Outdoor work can be hazardous - even with appropriate health and safety policies and risk assessments - if employees do not understand the risks and receive appropriate training to manage their own PPE responsibilities, then they may be putting themselves at increased risk.
Vibration White Finger (also known as Raynaud’s disease) affects around 600 people per year with only 635 documented disability cases in 2012. Mostly due to tougher regulations and awareness, which mandates limited exposure to vibrating equipment for workers VWF is on the decline; however, it still affects 20% of the population worldwide.
When working in the cold, those who operate vibrating hand-held machinery are at increased risk for VWF, which is triggered by overexposure to vibrating machinery. The symptoms include the tops of the fingers turning white because of abnormal spasms in the blood vessels, limiting blood supply to local tissues. The primary condition is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissues, but VWF is a secondary characteristic.
VWF can be treated, alleviated, or prevented by wearing gloves in the cold to increase circulation. In serious yet rare cases, VWF can cause ulcers, scarring, or tissue death (also known as gangrene).
To reduce the risk to outdoor workers, limit exposure to any vibrating machinery, especially in the cold. Try and rotate workloads so that any one worker is not exposed for extended periods of time.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.