Manual Handling Claims

The term manual handling relates to the movement of objects, either through pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying or lowering them. Injuries can be caused through manual handling when employees do not lift items by using the correct techniques or they attempt to lift items which are too heavy for them to safely lift. The severity of a manual handling injury often depends upon: 

• How far you have had to carry an item, 
• How many times you have picked up or moved an item
• Where you were picking it up from – such as the floor or above head height

Furthermore, movements like stretching, bending or twisting may also have to be incorporated through manual handling. Unsurprisingly, occupations involving repetitive manual handling may suddenly or progressively result in an injury. 

Make a claim now by calling 0333 358 2345 or contacting us online.

Manual handling injuries are a kind of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). MSDs cover a wide range of injuries from joint damage to tissue damage in the limbs or in the back. MSD cases account for more than one-third of work-related illnesses. These include manual handling injuries, which are unfortunately fairly common within many different industries, such as the music entertainment business or the warehouse and storage industries. 

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess and manage the following risks to their employees in the workplace. They must: 

• Make a sufficient assessment of the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided. 
• Avoid hazardous manual operations by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load, or by mechanising the process – i.e. Using machinery as opposed to manual labour.
• Diminish the risk of injury by providing mechanical assistance, such as a hoist. Where this is not practice or possible, employers must explore changes to the task, the load and the working environment.

Employers should also take other steps to ensure health and safety such as carrying out risk assessments upon the equipment and items that are meant to be lifted, as well as providing adequate training to ensure that employees can safely lift items. Your employer should also provide equipment like trolleys where necessary to aid in the task of lifting and transporting heavy items. If your employer fails to abide by these necessary safety precautions and you are injured as a result, you may be able to claim compensation.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation. First Personal Injury is available to assist you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. 

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.