A road worker from Derby has secured £42,000 following injuries caused by exposure to vibrating tools. Leading trade union UNISON has secured the compensation from Derbyshire County Council for a local member who suffered Vibration White Finger injury at work. The compensation was secured at Manchester County Court by UNISON’s free legal help scheme via leading personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors

Vibration White Finger

Since 1973 the member has been working for Derbyshire County Council as a road worker. Repeated exposure to vibrating tools had caused him to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vibration White Finger. Throughout his employment, he was never provided with adequate protective equipment or medical surveillance.

Compensation claim

His solicitor, Linda Millband of Thompsons Solicitors, comments: "The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Vibration White Finger (VWF) injuries which the client is now suffering from have arisen as a result of exposure to vibration. As his employer, Derbyshire County Council showed a lack of awareness of the potential implications of this condition and continued to employ him in areas where he was exposed to vibration and repetitive cycle work".

"Based on the medical evidence, the client has been awarded £11,000 for pain and suffering, and £31,000 to compensate him for future loss of earnings. Without the support of UNISON it is unlikely that the case could have been pursued. I would urge anyone else suffering from Vibration White Finger to contact UNISON and pursue a claim."

Andy Pegg, UNISON Health and Safety Officer for Derbyshire County UNISON comments: "We are very pleased with the outcome of this case and hope that other employers will take note and ensure that correct health and safety procedures are in place. Clearly this Judgement will assist other union members who have been exposed to vibrating tools for long periods during the course of their employment."