Social Sustainability
Vibration White Finger (VWF)
Definition
Vibration white finger — clinically, the vascular component of hand-arm vibration syndrome — is an occupational disorder caused by prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from power tools (chainsaws, grinders, breakers). Repeated exposure damages small blood vessels and nerves, producing attacks of blanching (white fingers), numbness and loss of grip and dexterity; damage is progressive and irreversible. It is compensated as an industrial disease in many jurisdictions and controlled through exposure limits (EU Vibration Directive action and limit values for daily exposure).
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Vibration White Finger (VWF)” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The condition structures tool procurement, exposure monitoring (trigger times per tool), health surveillance in construction, forestry and foundries, and compensation claims.
Why it matters
Vibration white finger is the reminder that occupational health is not only about accidents — the quietest hazards take whole hands.