The compensation experience of hand-arm vibration syndrome in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a relatively common occupational disease, especially in certain industrial sectors. Affected workers in many jurisdictions are eligible for compensation, but little is known about the behaviour and characteristics of workers seeking compensation for HAVS. AIMS: To characterize the workers seeking compensation for HAVS based on demographics, occupation and disease characteristics. METHODS: All accepted claims for HAVS from 1999 to 2008 in British Columbia were reviewed. RESULTS: The average claimant was 50 years old and had worked 25 years. The average latency period for developing HAVS symptoms was 18 years, and half the number of symptomatic workers waited 5 years or more before filing a claim. Loggers developed symptoms, on average, after 17 years of exposure, significantly earlier than mechanics, who developed symptoms after 24 years of work. Loggers waited longer than mechanics to file claims, with a median delay of 6 years, compared with 3 years for mechanics. The majority of HAVS claims involved severer vascular and sensorineural symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Claimants commonly delay filing compensation claims and this may result in severer symptoms when the claims are filed. Further study is required to explain this delay.

Socio-medicinal aspects of vibration-induced white finger disease.

PURPOSE: The influence of vibration-induced white finger disease on the quality of life and possible social consequences is the subject of the study presented herein. METHOD: The data acquisition was carried out by means of a standardized questionnaire. Parameters such as quality of life, professional practice, prevention and social security were assessed among other things. RESULTS: Nearly three quarters of the interviewees (n = 115) did not consult a physician with the occurrence of the first complaints. Physicians frequently made the correct diagnosis only with delay. From the first occurrence of symptoms to the acknowledgment as an occupational disease 0.5-34.5 years had usually elapsed. The quality of life affected the patients and their families. Change of profession and unemployment were frequently associated with substantial problems. There is clear need for information regarding the clinical picture, protective possibilities in the workplace, recognition as an occupational disease and financial problems. The introduction of industrial safety measures was not substantially affected by the occurrence of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: A quick diagnosis and the recognition of this occupational disease are important in view of its potential reversibility upon discontinuation of the exposition to vibration. As a consequence, intensified preventive measures need to be called for.