A FORMER Rolls-Royce worker has won a payout from the company after his hands were left permanently damaged by the vibrating tools he used during his employment.

Derbyshire is considered to be a hot spot for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome because of the county's industrial heritage.

And John Smith, of Derby, is just one of scores of workers who have suffered from the condition after years of working with power tools.

The 62-year-old was diagnosed with the syndrome in 2006 and, with the help of the union Unite, he contacted lawyers to pursue a compensation claim against Rolls-Royce.

The company has since admitted liability and agreed to pay £6,250 in damages to Mr Smith.

He said: "I firmly believe more should have been done by my employers to safeguard me from this condition.

"Now I am retired it affects everything I enjoy. When I walk the dog or go fishing, I have to make sure my hands are OK.

"Often, I have to stop an activity because my fingers will turn white and go numb."

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome affects many people who have operated hand-held vibrating power tools over a number of years.

Its symptoms include numbness in the fingertips, discolouration of the skin and general aches and pains in the hands, arms and fingers.

Mr Smith worked as a fitter balancer for Rolls-Royce from 1989 and was exposed to vibration on a daily basis.

He started noticing his fingers turning white during the winter of 2004 but did not realise the significance until he was diagnosed with the condition two years later.

Mr Smith, who is now retired, has to ensure his hands are kept warm at all times.

Esther McConaghie, from Thompsons Solicitors, the firm that acted on behalf of Mr Smith, said: "We are pleased to have helped Mr Smith to claim compensation for his condition.

"His case shows how an employer's failure to ensure simple yet essential safety measures are in place can have a long-term impact for their employees."

Adrian Axtell, East Midlands regional secretary of Unite, said there had been a steady stream of similar cases in Derbyshire over the past 10 to 15 years.

He said: "A number of people are coming to us about this condition. This area is a hot spot for this condition. It is prevalent in the transport and aerospace industry sectors, which plays a huge part in the city's economic life.

"Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome can be a debilitating condition which is caused by using vibrating tools.

"By law, employers should protect their staff from this condition. Rolls-Royce failed to do that for Mr Smith."

A spokesman for Rolls-Royce said the firm would not comment on individuals.