The symptoms and effects of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) most commonly result in:

• Loss of strength to the hands,

• Tingling, numbness and pain to the hands, and

• Fingers going white and then becoming red and painful, after the task has been completed.

Symptoms usually last for a short time, however, with continued exposure to vibration the symptoms may have longer lasting effects, and with time, usually a few years, could become permanent, causing ongoing pain. Awareness of the problem of hand-arm vibration syndrome, a commitment to identify hazards and reduce risk levels, combined with an individual commitment to health and safety, will help prevent HAVS issues occurring.