Thompsons Solicitors Scotland secured a £55,000 settlement for a rail technician who developed serious hand symptoms after prolonged exposure to vibrating tools at work.
This workplace injury claim was handled by Regan Cotter of Thompsons Solicitors Scotland. Our client worked as a rail technician and regularly used vibrating tools, including Bance wrenches, rail drills, Cobra/Robel guns and disc cutters. Over time, he developed symptoms including tingling, swelling and pain in both hands. He was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and also presented with symptoms consistent with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. Thompsons pursued the claim against his employer and secured a £55,000 settlement.
Background to the Claim
Our client had worked for his employer since 2006. After several years in another role, he became a rail technician in 2013.
His duties varied depending on the job he was sent to. This included changing rail, changing sleepers, working with panels, removing old wood screws and using vibrating tools as part of regular rail maintenance work.
The tools used by the client included:
- Bance wrenches
- Cobra/Robel guns
- rail drills
- disc cutters
- hammers and other impact tools
The level of exposure varied from day to day, but our client estimated that he regularly spent around two to three hours per shift using vibrating tools. On some jobs, he could be using them daily or for extended periods.
Prolonged Exposure to Vibrating Tools
Our client’s exposure to vibrating tools was repetitive, sustained and formed a normal part of his working duties over a number of years.
Although some measures were introduced later, including labels showing recommended usage times and e-learning modules, these steps came after a long period of exposure. Our client also advised that vibration monitoring sheets had previously been used but had not been seen for some time.
The claim highlighted concerns about how vibration exposure was managed. Responsibility for stopping tool use when limits were reached appeared to rest with workers themselves, rather than being properly monitored and controlled by the employer.
Our client had also never been provided with anti-vibration gloves or other appropriate protective equipment to reduce the risks associated with prolonged tool use.
Development of Hand Symptoms
In 2023, our client began noticing symptoms in both hands, including:
- tingling
- swelling
- pain
- pins and needles
- difficulty straightening his fingers
- symptoms disturbing his sleep
- difficulty carrying out simple manual tasks
He attended a HAVS assessment after his right hand became swollen and later sought advice from his GP. Following medical assessment, he was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands.
He also presented with symptoms consistent with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, linked to his history of occupational exposure to vibrating tools.
Impact on Work and Daily Life
The symptoms affected our client’s ability to carry out normal manual tasks. He began to struggle with everyday activities such as using a screwdriver and experienced symptoms that could wake him during the night.
He was eventually removed from working with vibrating tools. Where his role required vibrating tool use, another worker would carry out that part of the task.
Although he remained in employment and did not suffer wage loss as a result of being removed from vibrating tools, his symptoms persisted and worsened over time. He continued to manage the pain and discomfort with medication.
Thompsons Pursued the Workplace Injury Claim
Thompsons argued that the client’s condition was caused by prolonged occupational exposure to vibrating tools during his employment.
The evidence showed that our client had used vibrating tools repeatedly over many years and that there were gaps in the systems in place to manage, monitor and reduce vibration exposure.
The case was pursued on the basis that the employer had failed to properly protect the client from the risks associated with hand arm vibration exposure.
£55,000 Settlement Secured
The case settled for £55,000, a result that exceeded initial expectations and reflected the strength of the claim from an early stage.
The client was extremely pleased with the outcome and later attended the office in person to thank the team.
Regan Cotter
Regan Cotter
“This was a strong result for our client and reflected the importance of properly investigating occupational exposure to vibrating tools. Hand arm vibration and related conditions can have a serious impact on a person’s work, sleep and everyday life. This case was progressed through close cooperation between the client and the legal team, and that collaborative approach played an important role in securing the final settlement.”
- Speaking about the support he received from Thompsons, the client said:
“They were brilliant - absolutely first class. Easy to talk to, very understanding and easy to communicate with. Their knowledge is excellent.”
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights the risks faced by workers who use vibrating tools over prolonged periods. Conditions such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause lasting pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hands.
Employers must take proper steps to assess, monitor and reduce exposure to vibration. This includes providing suitable training, monitoring tool usage, carrying out risk assessments, maintaining equipment and providing appropriate protection where required.
For our client, the symptoms affected both work and daily life. Even after he was removed from vibrating tools, his condition continued to cause pain and discomfort.
Injured After Using Vibrating Tools at Work?
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland are specialist personal injury solicitors in Scotland. We help workers pursue compensation after workplace injuries, including claims involving vibrating tools, unsafe working practices and long-term occupational conditions.
We can help with claims involving:
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claims
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claims
- vibration white finger claims
- vibrating tool injury claims
- rail worker injury claims
- workplace injury claims
- occupational disease claims
- claims involving inadequate training or protection
- claims where exposure was not properly monitored
If you have developed symptoms after using vibrating tools at work, Talk to Thompsons. Our team can explain your rights, investigate your claim and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
