The HSE estimates that over a third of workplace injuries occur as a result of manual handling.
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Manual Handling Injury at Work Claims
Injuries caused through manual handling are extremely common in the workplace. Manual handling injuries can occur when employees are required to lift, carry, lower, push or pull heavy objects. If employees haven’t been properly trained to safely move items then the likelihood of an accident at work is high.
Your employer has a duty of care to look after your well being, through minimising risk, whilst you are in the workplace. Therefore if your job requires manual handling your employer must provide you with the appropriate training and any equipment that you require to do so.
If your employer fails in any way to follow the appropriate health and safety protocols, and you suffer an injury as a consequence, you could be entitled to compensation.
TRUE Solicitors are experienced in obtaining compensation, rehabilitation and support for clients who have suffered a manual handling injury in the workplace. We handle all accident at work claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Contact us today for a free, initial assessment of your claim. Submit your details below or call us on 0344 854 7000.
What are the common causes of manual handling injuries at work?
The HSE estimates that over a third of workplace injuries occur as a result of manual handling. Injuries caused as a result of manual handling are also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include any injury or damage to the joints or soft tissue in the limbs and back. Common injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Hand injuries
- Slips, trips and falls
- Hernias
- Foot injuries
Common manual handling injuries result due to:
• Employees adapting awkward postures to lift, carry or drag, heavy or awkward shaped objects.
• Repetitive movement of arms, legs and back, leading to an injury or making an existing injury worse.
Workers most at risk of suffering a manual handling injury include:
- Assembly line workers
- Construction workers
- Warehouse operatives
- Agricultural staff
- Care home assistants
What responsibilities does my employer have?
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) sets out the rules that employers must adhere to, in order to protect the well being of their staff if their job involves manual handling. Your employer should do the following before allowing you to carry out any manual handling:
• Carry out a risk assessment.
• Implement any measures that can aid in the heavy lifting such as using pallet trucks, hoists or conveyors.
• Conduct health and safety training to show employees the safe way to conduct the task.
If your employer has failed to meet these responsibilities and that led to you suffering an injury at work, you will be entitled to compensation for those injuries and any financial losses, such as lost earnings.
What can I claim compensation for?
If you’ve suffered an injury at work due to manual handling you may be able to claim for the following:
• Loss of earnings.
• Pain and suffering.
• Medical expenses such as, prescription charges and painkillers.
• Compensation for care and support.
• Ongoing illness.
• Recovery time.
• Expected lifestyle changes.
What will the value of my manual handling injuries claim be?
The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on factors such as:
• The severity of your injuries.
• How your life has been affected by the injury.
• Your future care and support needs.
• Financial losses, including how much money you have lost or will lose as a result of the injury (e.g. loss of earnings, travel expenses).
To get an idea of the amount that you may receive to compensate for physical injuries use your free injury calculator below:
Will I need to pay anything to make a claim?
TRUE Solicitors will manage your claim on a ‘No win, No fee’ basis. Our charges to you are dependent upon the individual type of case, and are typically a percentage of the compensation amount that we obtain for you. The charges for personal injury claims will be no more than 25% of your compensation.
Do I need to make a claim within a certain time frame?
You have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to lodge a claim with the court, and while we completely understand that you may not wish to start a claim straight away, the sooner the claim is made the better. Focusing on getting better is your ultimate priority, but it is also important to make a claim as soon as possible while the evidence and the memories of you and your witnesses are fresh. Of course, if your accident at work was some time ago then do not worry, as long as it is within the 3 year time limit a claim may still be possible.
When you’re ready, our experts will be here to help to advise and guide you through the claims process. We will carry out a free, no obligation initial assessment so that you know exactly what your options are. You can then choose whether or not to begin the claims process.
