Rank: Forum user 
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After visiting our Occupational Health provider and his own doctor one of our employees has been advised that he has Raynauds, unfortunately his main job with us is working with vibration (low levels of vibration) equipment, he was taken off this work initially but has asked to go back on the “tools” as he doesn’t like the alternative work we have offered him for the time being. We are thinking of trying to accommodate him with certain controls (regular medicals, ppe, rotate his work) in place but was wondering if anyone else is doing something similar for one of their employees with a similar condition
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Rank: Super forum user
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This is one area where I would seek the advice of a suitably qualified consultant. I am not an expert on Raynauds syndrome but from what I do know my initial feeling is that any exposure to vibration could exacerbate the condition turning what is currently presumably a constitutional - and not an occupational - condition into one made worse by his/her occupational exposure.
Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Chris
Its ironic in a way, hes fairly young and has indicated that if he doesn't go back on the vibration work that he will leave and get a similar job elsewhere but just not tell his new employer about his condition !!.
So we are basically gathering advice from all areas, medically being the most important before coming to a decision on what to do, that's why I posted on here just in case someone else had been through a similar situation.
We could just say if you don't like it then go but trying to be the caring employer and find the best solution for both parties.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I see no issue here,
Allow him to continue to use tools below the action level as much as possible, monitor initially on a 3-6monthly basis and re-visit if symptoms progress.
Whilst the individual may be more pre-disposed to developing HAVS this should not be a reason to exclude him from such work - assuming 1 it is not work related reynauds and 2 progressing in severity.
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Rank: Forum user
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I suffer with Raynaud's Symdrome myself and to be honest the cold is more of an issue. The vibration can be managed by purchasing the appropriate gloves and then undertaking regular reviews and making sure he takes regular breaks so that the exposure is limited.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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melrogers wrote:The vibration can be managed by purchasing the appropriate gloves Care to expand on that?
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Rank: Forum user
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keeping the hands warm and dry are the main issue as they are generally working with granite and a lot of water is involved as well as a bit of touchy/feely to check the surface being polished.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Indeed keeping the hands warm and maintaining circulation will be paramount to preventing future issues.
I think Ron was checking they were not "anti-vibration" phooey
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Rank: Super forum user
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I think it would be a big risk to keep this person employed to work with vibrating equipment with this condition. Reducing vibration exposure is a fine art, I would be worries that the attitude of this person to continue working with risky equipment, would he/she have the same attitude to exposure times?
In any extent, my answer is to check with your insurers as they are the people who may have to pay out any future claims.
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Rank: Forum user
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Contacted insurers yesterday so awaiting their input.
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Rank: Forum user
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Ron Hunter wrote:melrogers wrote:The vibration can be managed by purchasing the appropriate gloves Care to expand on that? You can purchase anti-vibration gloves which will assist with any issues relating to vibration. Sorry about my late reply, didn't get chance to get back online yesterday.
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Rank: Forum user
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You can purchase anti-vibration gloves which will assist with any issues relating to vibration. Sorry about my late reply, didn't get chance to get back online yesterday.
Melrogers, I think what Ron Hunter was referring to is that anti-vibration gloves are only suitable for some tasks, and are not effective at reducing the vibration associated with risk of HAVS and in some case they can increase the vibration. You should just be looking at gloves that keep the hands warm rather than anti-vibe. HSE web link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/vi...ication/warmclothing.htm
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Rank: Super forum user
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Personally I don't think there is such a thing as anti-vibration gloves.
However, keeping the hands warm is vital for good blood circulation.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The pathophysiology is different the presentation is the same...
'anti vibration gloves' only seek to keep your hands warm..the HSE Inspectors report into them pretty much says they are ineffective at reducing the transmission when looking at VWF...(I can't find the link)...
In short you will not find your answer here you need an assessment from a Health Care professional...a OH professional should give you the workplace assessment based on that persons role and intimately give you a decision as to whether he can continue or not or suggest adjustments..
PM me if you need to discuss the detail further..
I have dealt with employees claiming VWF when they have worked in call centres all their life...
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Rank: Super forum user
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I think you would have to be very very careful to discriminate someone based upon a medical condition that may not impact upon their work if you can make reasonable adjustments.
It would be the same to discount a person with hayfever from working with a respiratory sensitiser.....
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Rank: Super forum user
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no one is talking about discrimination here...we are talking about the correct advice and the correct advice will not come from this forum..
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Rank: Forum user
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Medical advice received seems to be it could be manageable with regular medical checks (though whether he would be totally honest with us now I don't know).
I have no worries regarding being discriminate, if we receive medical advice further down the line that his current work is going to affect his health long term then we will look to offer him an alternative position, if he doesn't want to do that then it may be he has to leave our employment.
Still waiting to hear our insurers point of view.
Thanks for all the feedback.
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Rank: Super forum user
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SteveDM wrote:no one is talking about discrimination here...we are talking about the correct advice and the correct advice will not come from this forum.. Indeed, and I said you need to be careful not to. As for correct advice, I believe that was actually correctly given in Post #4, good to see this verified by the OP just now.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The correct advice is from a OH professional not an IOSH forum.
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Rank: Forum user
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Our insurers are happy for us to let him carry on in his current role for the time being providing we take all reasonable precautions to protect his well being: looking at quarterly medicals, monthly one to ones to see if any issues, PPE for keeping hands dry and warm, regular checks on equipment & occasional other work to remove his exposure altogether, all to be documented as per insurers advice.
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