Neurological symptoms
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers, especially after tool use
- Reduced ability to feel light touch, temperature or pain in the fingertips
Vascular symptoms
- Episodic finger blanching ("vibration white finger") — one or more fingertips turning white, usually triggered by cold
- Redness and pain in the fingers as they rewarm after an episode
Musculoskeletal symptoms
- Reduced grip strength
- Joint stiffness in the hands
Symptoms can appear within months for susceptible individuals with high vibration exposure, though for most people they develop more gradually. Cold weather often makes vascular symptoms more noticeable, which can make early HAVS easy to dismiss as "just the cold."
General information, not medical advice
This page describes common HAVS symptoms for awareness. It doesn't diagnose HAVS, and it isn't a substitute for an individual clinical assessment — that happens at Tier 3/4, where a qualified professional or doctor examines the specific symptoms reported.
What to do next
If you're an employer and a worker has reported any of these symptoms, they should be escalated for a clinical assessment rather than continuing on annual questionnaires alone. If you're a worker experiencing symptoms, tell your employer so they can arrange this, or contact us directly if you're self-employed.