Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that arises from long-term exposure to vibrations through the hands and forearms when using vibrating tools. This syndrome is marked by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and a reduction in nerve sensitivity. HAVS can be painful and may lead to disability, affecting the fingers, hands, and arms due to the vibrations. Initially, individuals experience tingling and numbness in their fingers, which turn white and swollen in cold conditions, becoming red and painful as they warm up. Cold or wet weather can worsen these symptoms. Tasks like picking up small objects become challenging due to decreased sensation and grip strength in the hands. The discomfort, tingling, and numbness in the arms, wrists, and hands can also disrupt sleep. Various vibrating tools can lead to HAVS, including pneumatic drills, jackhammers, asphalt breakers, power chainsaws, chipping tools, concrete vibrators and levelers, needle guns and scabblers, polishers, power jigsaws, sanders and angle grinders, riveters, compactors, power lawnmowers, and even some electronic games with vibrating hand controls. HAVS was first broadly acknowledged as an occupational risk in the mid-1980s and was originally referred to as "vibration white finger."
