Lifting heavy objects is a common task in many workplaces, from delivery services and furniture removals to caretakers and retail environments.
However, it’s crucial to recognise the risks associated with manual handling, which involves lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and putting down heavy objects. These activities can put a huge strain on the body, leading to a variety of injuries if not managed correctly.
The importance of safe manual handling
Employers have a fundamental duty to ensure that all employees not only work in a safe environment but that they also adopt practices and minimise any potential risk of injury. This is especially critical when employees are required to lift heavy objects.
Legally, employers are also obligated to conduct risk assessments for manual handling tasks and provide the necessary training and equipment to help prevent injuries. Workers should be trained on how to correctly lift, put down, push, and move heavy objects on a regular basis.
For example, if an employee must move a heavy object over a certain weight, the employer must ensure the appropriate number of people help with moving the heavy object to reduce the risk of an accident.
Lifting injury in the workplace
Factors contributing to heavy lifting include:
- the weight of the objects
- incorrect lifting and handling procedures
- inadequate handholds
- high frequency and duration of lifting tasks
- environmental conditions, such as extreme weather temperatures, poor lighting, and structures
Some of the most common injuries seen by our solicitors in heavy object lifting accidents include:
- Muscle pulls, straining and spraining muscles and tendons
- Hernias
- Dislocated shoulders
- Wrist and elbow injuries
- Neck and muscle strains
- Back, spine and disc problems
Although we generally see minor injuries, more serious accidents do happen that can cause life-altering damage.
What to do if you are injured
If you have suffered an injury at work due to lifting heavy objects, and you believe your employer’s negligence contributed to the incident happening, you might be entitled to compensation. It’s crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as possible: personal injury claims must be brought within strict time limits.
Seeking compensation for a lifting injury at work is not just about the financial aspect and helping you recover; it’s also about ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future by highlighting the need for proper safety measures and training in such work environments.
Our team promises to do our utmost to get you the compensation that you deserve. You will be assigned a personal claim handler who will guide you through your claim and provide you with regular updates. We can also offer a contactless personal injury legal service.
Whether you need treatment, a personal carer, a temporary replacement vehicle or other help, we can arrange it for you as part of our stress-free claim service to you.