Diagnosed With Raynaud’s? It Could Be Work-Related — and You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Raynaud’s phenomenon causes the fingers to turn white, go numb and become painful — particularly in cold conditions. Many people are diagnosed with “Raynaud’s” by their GP without being told that their condition could be caused by their work. If you have spent years using vibrating hand tools such as pneumatic drills, chainsaws, angle grinders, road breakers or hammer drills, there is a strong possibility that what your GP has called Raynaud’s is in fact vibration white finger (VWF) — medically known as secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon.
The distinction matters. Primary Raynaud’s disease has no identifiable external cause and is not compensatable. Secondary Raynaud’s caused by occupational vibration exposure is an industrial disease, and your employer may be liable if they failed to comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 — for example by failing to assess vibration levels, rotate workers, provide low-vibration tools, or carry out health surveillance.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles Raynaud’s and VWF claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. Our solicitors can arrange specialist vascular testing to confirm whether your Raynaud’s is work-related. There is no financial risk to you.
How Much Could You Receive?
Compensation for work-related Raynaud’s (VWF/HAVS) depends on the severity and staging of your condition:
| Severity (Stockholm Scale) | Typical Award |
|---|
| Mild — early vascular or neurological symptoms | £5,000 - £15,000 |
| Moderate — regular blanching episodes, reduced grip | £15,000 - £35,000 |
| Severe — significant permanent disability | £35,000 - £50,000+ |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity). Condition staged using the Stockholm Workshop Scale.
That’s not all. Most claimants also receive a separate payment for past and future lost earnings, medical treatment, and other expenses. If your condition has forced you to leave your trade or reduce your hours, the lost earnings element can be very substantial — sometimes exceeding the general damages award.
Who Can Claim?
Anyone whose Raynaud’s was caused by prolonged use of vibrating hand tools at work can claim against their employer. Common occupations include construction workers, road workers, quarry workers, forestry workers, engineers, shipyard workers, mechanics and joiners. You do not need to still work for the employer — claims are made against the employer’s liability insurer, and specialist solicitors can trace historic policies even where the company has ceased trading. Many workers only discover the link between their Raynaud’s and their work years after diagnosis, and the time limit runs from when you knew the condition was work-related — not when symptoms first appeared.
Raynaud’s Disease Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your Raynaud’s was caused by prolonged use of vibrating hand tools at work, it is classified as secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (also known as vibration white finger or VWF). This is a recognised occupational disease and your employer may be liable for compensation if they failed to protect you from excessive vibration exposure under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
Compensation for work-related Raynaud’s (VWF/HAVS) in Scotland ranges from £5,000 for mild cases to £50,000+ for severe cases causing permanent disability under the Judicial College Guidelines. These figures cover pain and suffering only — special damages for lost earnings, medical treatment and expenses are paid on top and can be very substantial.
Raynaud’s disease (primary Raynaud’s) occurs without an identifiable external cause and is not compensatable. Vibration white finger (secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon) produces the same symptoms — fingers turning white and numb in cold conditions — but is caused specifically by occupational vibration exposure. Only secondary Raynaud’s caused by work gives rise to a compensation claim against an employer.
3 years from the date you knew or should have known that your Raynaud’s was caused by your work, under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. Many workers are diagnosed with “Raynaud’s” by their GP without being told it is work-related, so the knowledge date can be significantly later than the initial diagnosis.
Yes. If you have a history of using vibrating tools at work and your GP has diagnosed Raynaud’s, it is very possible that your condition is occupational VWF (secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon). GPs do not always make the connection to occupational exposure. Contact us for a free assessment — our solicitors can arrange specialist vascular testing to confirm whether your Raynaud’s is work-related and claimable.
Work-related Raynaud’s (VWF) is caused by regular use of vibrating hand tools including pneumatic drills, chainsaws, angle grinders, road breakers, hammer drills, concrete vibrators and powered sanders. Common industries include construction, engineering, quarrying, mining, forestry, shipbuilding and road maintenance.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by the Scottish Claims Helpline editorial team. Reviewed by a qualified Scottish solicitor. Last reviewed February 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).