Injury triggered by continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery.

Its best-known effect is vibration-induced white finger (VWF).

Tingling ‘whiteness’ or numbness in the fingers (blood vessels and nerves affected): This may not be noticeable at the end of a working day, and in mild cases may only affect the tips of the fingers. As the condition becomes more severe, the whole finger down to the knuckles may become white and feeling may also be lost.

With continued exposure, the person may suffer periodic attacks in which the fingers change colour when exposed to the cold. The fingers rapidly become pale and feeling is lost. This phase is followed by an intense red flush, signaling the return of blood circulation to the fingers and usually accompanied by uncomfortable throbbing.

Loss of manual dexterity as the nerves and muscles are affected.

In extreme cases, the sufferer may lose fingers.