If you become injured from lifting, carrying, or moving objects at work, you may be owed
compensation for injuries. Manual handling injuries are unfortunately common in the workplace.
Ross Aldridge Solicitors has a full team of advisors based in Cheltenham ready to answer any questions you may have regarding your manual handling injury and the claims process.
Our staff can help with every step of the process through to a successful settlement.
Table of Contents
What is a manual handling claim?
A manual handling claim is generally made after an injury from lifting heavy objects. Injuries can be the result of insufficient training, and a lack of clear safety guidelines in place.
If it is found that a manual handling injury was avoidable had better training been provided to employees, a compensation claim can be made.
Manual handling in the workplace
Manual handling tasks are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK. Manual handling at work can result in serious injuries and illnesses. Employers have a duty to protect workers from this risk by providing suitable manual handling equipment and advice on how to use it safely.
Employers should carry out an assessment of the manual handling tasks and hazards within the workplace. In the case where a manual handling injury compensation claim is made, claimants are obliged to provide evidential criteria, illustrating their accident and the liability on their employer.
Ross Alrdridhe Solicitors can help carry the burden of proof in a manual handling claim through thorough assessment.
How do manual handling injuries happen in the workplace?
Manual handling tasks occur in a wide range of environments and situations.
Some manual handling tasks are routine and part of a repetitive sequence, while other manual handling tasks are characterised by irregular or non-routine sequences.
Manual handling tasks also vary in terms of their duration, how often they occur, the number and type of tools used, the speed at which they are performed, and the weight that is being lifted.
Each of these circumstances can result in a situation where employees are at risk of injury.
Common instances where compensations claims are awarded include;
Common manual handling claims
According to the Health and Safety Executive, manual handling is the second largest cause of workplace injury, accounting for 18% of all recorded incidents. Common manual handling claims include back injuries and cartilage tears. These claims are backed up when there is proof of negligence on the part of an employer.
Due to their heavy workloads, factory workers and construction workers are at a particularly high risk of suffering injuries from manual handling.
In workplaces like construction sites, a high level of safety regulation must be maintained. In circumstances where these standards are not met, manual handling risks arise.
Common injuries that can arise due to manual handling
The 3 most common types of manual handling injuries include back strain, cuts and bruises, and cartilage tears.
A range of musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, and permanent scarring are also common results of a manual handling incident.
Many people disregard smaller or less obvious injuries. However, it is important to report any instance of an accident or injury, despite how minor it may be.
How do manual handling injuries occur?
Injuries can occur in the workplace due to a lack of training, unsafe conditions and wet surfaces.
If you don’t know the best way to lift something then it’s likely that you will have an accident. If it’s too heavy for you or if something else is in the way then again it’s quite possible that an accident could occur.
Employer negligence can result in a manual handling injury. In the case where an employer has failed to provide suitable safety procedures and guidelines, employees are at risk of injury.
Who is at fault for a manual handling injury at work?
The Manual Handling Accidents at Work Regulations came into force in 1992 and set out the responsibilities of employers and their employees to ensure that manual handling activities are carried out safely. The regulations apply to all UK employers who employ people to perform manual handling activities, which include lifting and carrying loads.
Anyone involved in a manual handling accident at work should be aware of their rights under these regulations. The following are those who can be held responsible for a manual handling injury:
Manual handling claim compensation
The amount of compensation you can receive from a manual handling injury compensation claim depends on the severity of your injury, whether or not you have a pre-existing condition and how the injury affects your ability to work and earn an income.
Every case is reviewed on an individual basis and different circumstances warrant different levels of compensation. Claims for minor back injuries can reach up to £12,000 and major life-altering injuries can reach anywhere between £30,000 and £160,000. In addition to this additional claims can be made for:
How to prevent a manual handling injury
Before employers begin regulating manual handling tasks, they should consider providing mechanical or automotive assistance, such as a forklift or hoist, whenever possible.
If this is not feasible, consider modifying the task, the workload, or the working environment.
If manual handling is the sole avenue, employers can reduce the risks of manual handling by doing the following:
Make a manual handling injury claim today
Manual handling claims are serious, and we have to make sure that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
We understand how frustrating it is when you don’t receive the compensation that you deserve.
If any of what we have detailed has happened to you, we are here to help.
Ross Aldridge personal injury solicitors are expert advisors on manual handling injury claims. If you want to make a claim for a manual handling injury in Cheltenham or outside areas, contact us today.
