What are manual handling injuries?
Manual handling injuries happen as a result of trying to carry, lift, put down or move any object by hand. They're some of the most common types of accident at work. Unfortunately, they can often cause long-lasting pain and stop you from being able to get on with your life.
Manual handling injuries can vary from cuts, bruises and pulled muscles to more serious injuries such as a musculoskeletal disorder or even permanent disability.
Accidents at work often happen when employers fail to give the proper training or equipment. We know how unfair it can feel to be injured because of someone else's negligence. We're here to help you get the compensation you need.
You can speak to us for free, impartial advice on - we can help you understand whether you could claim, but we'll never push you into taking the next steps.
Manual handling at work
According to the Health and Safety Executive, manual handling injuries account for around one-third of all workplace incidents.
There are laws in place to protect you from injury. Your employer is responsible for making sure legal guidelines such as the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are followed, to reduce the chances of accidents happening.
For example, if your job involves heavy-lifting, then your employer should make sure you're properly trained to be able to do this safely. They should also carry out risk assessments and provide you with the correct equipment if it's needed. If they fail to do this, then we may be able to help you.
We've listed some examples of the different types of industries and job roles where manual handling injuries can happen:
- In construction work you may become injured when moving heavy equipment such as drills, mixers, or everyday items you use in your job such as sacks of cement, bricks and pallets
- Care or medical workers often have to help move patients to different places, which can cause back strain and injuries
- Factory accidents often occur when workers have had to push, pull or lift heavy loads without equipment to help them do so
Tips for avoiding manual handling injuries
It's important that any risks are assessed before you lift or move anything heavy. One way you and your employer can do this is to follow the TILE guidelines outlined below:
Task - Thinking about how the object will be moved, whether pushing, lifting or carrying.
Individual - Considering whether the task is within the capabilities of the person, such as their strength and fitness.
Load - Considering the size, weight and shape of the object. Some objects may need more than one person to carry.
Environment - Checking the route you'll be taking while handling the object. Keeping an eye out for uneven flooring, steps, or wet surfaces.
How much could you claim for a manual handling accident?
As with any personal injury claim, the amount of compensation you receive is completely unique to your case. Unfortunately, this means we're unable to tell you exactly how much you could claim before starting.
Your solicitor will make sure you can recover any costs caused by your injury. For example, your compensation will include:
- Any medical treatment you've had to pay for, including prescription costs
- Any adaptations to your home or car because of your injury
- Lost earnings from time taken off work
- Travel costs
- Any effect your accident has had on your family and their time
We know that going forward with a claim can seem stressful, but we work hard to make sure the process is as simple as possible and that you're kept up-to-date every step of the way.
If you're ready to speak to us about your accident, you can call us for free, impartial advice on .
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Why choose National Accident Helpline for my manual handling injury?
Your call with our friendly helpline advisors is completely confidential - we'll simply ask you some questions and then let you know whether we think you could make a manual handling injury claim.
It's important to remember that we'll never rush or pressure you into starting a claim. We're here to help you get the information you need to make a decision on what to do next.
If you do decide to go ahead and start a claim, we can help you take the next steps. We'll match you up with one of our specialist solicitors with experience of working on manual handling claims. No win no fee terms will be discussed with you up front, so you know what to expect during your claim.
Our Personal Injury Advice Centre is open seven days a week until late, so our advisors are ready to talk through your case whenever you are ready. Call us on , request a free call back at a time that best suits you or even start your claim online today.
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Frequently asked questions...
Every case we work with is different, which makes it hard for us to say how long your compensation claim might take.
In simpler cases, where fault is clear and undeniable the claim may be settled quickly. However, if you've suffered a serious or life-changing injury, then your compensation claim may take longer because we need to understand the full impact of your injury and make sure your costs are covered.
Our solicitors will stay in touch and keep you informed every step of the way, so that you always know what stage your claim is at.
No. UK employment law protects you from any disciplinary action, whether overt or underhand. Employers are legally required to have insurance in place to cover negligent injury to their people. In a successful back injury compensation claim, the insurance company providing the cover will pay back injury compensation, not the employer. That ensures no-one is hit with a bill they can't pay.
Yes. If a workplace in which you are expected to work for any length of time is unsafe or if you weren't given the proper training before starting the job and you suffer a personal injury as a result, you may have a case for compensation. Find out more about your rights for claiming as a self-employed worker here.
All of our solicitors work on a no win no fee basis, which means they agree that if your case is unsuccessful then you won't be charged a penny.
Quite simply, it's no win, no fee, no risk, which means you can make a compensation claim without the worry of being left with a bill you can't afford.
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