A worker with advanced HAVS may experience what longevity effect?

A worker with advanced Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) may experience permanent disability due to the effects of prolonged exposure to vibration. HAVS is a condition caused by excessive exposure to hand-arm vibration, often from tools like jackhammers or drills. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms.

In advanced stages, individuals may suffer from symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of strength, and impaired hand function. These symptoms can significantly impact the worker's ability to perform daily tasks, both on and off the job, potentially resulting in permanent disability. This is particularly critical for workers whose occupations rely heavily on fine motor skills and hand strength, as the condition could disable them from performing their work effectively.

The other potential outcomes mentioned, like temporary discomfort or complete recovery, are generally more associated with earlier-stage HAVS or less severe cases. Increased productivity is not an effect that would be associated with advanced HAVS, as the symptoms and impairment would lead to decreased ability to perform tasks effectively.