We are personal injury solicitors specialising in claiming compensation for clients injured while lifting at work. Catherine Smith introduces our no win no fee service in this short video.

Read more about lifting injuries below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us a question or to get started making a claim.

Lifting At Work

Manual handling is defined as the 'transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving) by hand or bodily force'. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that 30% of all work related accidents that require more than three days off work are associated with manual handling, and most of these relate to lifting at work. 300,000 workers suffer back injuries as a direct result every year, resulting in over 70 million working days being lost. Manual handling injuries can result in pain, incapacity, time off work, and financial hardship due to loss of earnings. All these factors will be taken into account when making a claim against an employer.

Different Types Of Work Lifting Injury

Typical Causes Of Work Lifting Injuries

Apart from lifting and carrying; pulling, pushing, lowering, moving and supporting objects by hand may all cause manual handling injuries. Such injuries may be partially blamed on other factors, such as poor posture, a pre-existing medical condition, or the particular physical characteristics of an individual worker. Injuries are often cumulative, the result of excessive repetition of physical tasks over time, however the majority are caused by sudden physical trauma. Most injuries of this kind affect the lower back, though injuries to the upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and feet are also common.

Which Industries Are Most Affected By Work Lifting Injuries?

Workers in almost any industry can be affected by manual handling and lifting injuries, though those engaged in physically-demanding roles are most at risk. Workers on building sites, and at warehouses, factories, supermarkets and farms are regularly exposed to working conditions conducive to manual handling injuries. Delivery drivers, nurses and care workers are also expected to lift and carry heavy loads, both animate or inanimate, as a matter of routine. However, it is estimated that up to 50% of all manual handling and lifting injuries occur in supposedly safe office environments, where employees injure themselves by, among other things, carrying folders and moving furniture.

The Benefits Of Using A Firm Of No Win No Fee Solicitors

Employers Are Responsible For Preventing Work Lifting Injuries

The responsibilities of employers in this area of law are set out in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The regulations state than an employer has a duty, as far as is reasonably practical, to avoid the need for employees to undertake tasks involving lifting by hand. Where such tasks are unavoidable, they must be competently risk assessed with all ergonomic factors taken into account, including the suitability of individual workers to perform them. Employees must be provided with training in safe lifting techniques, as well as protective equipment to support their backs when lifting and carrying heavy or awkward weights.

Claiming Compensation For A Work Lifting Injury

Our clients often ask us, because I have never received any manual handling training, can I claim compensation from my employer? The answer is may well be yes. Provided your claim relates to an accident that has taken place in the last three years, we can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis. You are assured of keeping 100% of any compensation awarded, with no deductions. In the event that your compensation claim is successful our fees are paid by the losing party to the claim. The vast majority of the claims we take on are successful, and where they are not we will charge you nothing.

Bartletts Solicitors have been protecting and supporting clients for 150 years and enjoy a reputation nationwide for trusted legal advice. We are specialists in manual handling and lifting at work compensation claims having successfully represented injured employees across a range of industries. Call us today on 0800 158 2454 for a free consultation regarding your case or to begin a claim. You can also contact us for free legal advice via our new Live Chat function.

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