How Common Are Manual Handling Injuries?
Manual handling remains one of the most frequent causes of workplace harm in the UK, according to recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); handling, lifting, or carrying accounts for 17% of all non-fatal workplace injuries reported.
These risks are not confined to heavy industry. While construction and warehousing are often associated with lifting accidents, manual handling is a universal factor in most workplaces. In healthcare, injuries can occur while assisting patients with mobility, while retail and hospitality staff may face strains during stock replenishment. Even in environments traditionally considered lower risk, such as schools or offices, moving heavy files or rearranging furniture without proper assistance can result in significant injury.
Common Manual Handling and Lifting Injuries
Manual handling accidents typically affect the musculoskeletal system. Identifying the specific nature of your injury is a vital step in any manual handling injury compensation claim. Frequent examples include:
Prolapsed or Herniated Discs: Often called a slipped disc, these occur during improper lifting and can cause severe nerve damage.
Abdominal Hernias: A common result of overstraining while pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy loads.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Chronic conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that develop from frequent, repetitive manual tasks.
Rotator Cuff Tears: Damage to the shoulder tendons, often sustained when handling loads at height.
Soft Tissue Damage: Significant strains and sprains to the ligaments in the lower back or neck.
Workplace Accidents:
Who is Responsible for Your Protection?
Responsibility for workplace safety is clearly defined under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. While employees are expected to follow safety procedures, the primary legal duty lies with the employer.
Employers are required to follow a strict hierarchy of control: they must avoid hazardous manual handling tasks wherever possible, assess the risks of any tasks that cannot be avoided, and take active steps to reduce those risks. This includes providing mechanical aids, ensuring adequate rest periods, and delivering specific training.
The Process of a Manual Handling Claim
Navigating a legal claim shouldn't be another source of stress. We handle the technical complexities so you can focus on your physical rehabilitation.
1. Initial Case Review: A consultation with our manual handling claims solicitors to discuss the task, the environment, and the nature of your injury.
2. Gathering Evidence: We collect accident book entries, witness statements, and evidence of whether your employer provided appropriate training.
3. Medical Assessment: We arrange an appointment with an independent expert to document the extent of your injury and its future impact.
4. Establishing Liability: We formally notify your employer’s insurers. They then have a set period to investigate and respond.
5. Settlement Negotiations: We calculate the total value of your claim, including special damages for lost earnings and private treatment costs.
Understanding Compensation and Time Limits
A common concern is how much a manual handling claim is worth. Compensation is split into two parts: general damages (for your pain and loss of lifestyle) and special damages (for financial losses). We aim to recover every penny you have lost.
In the UK, there is a three-year time limit from the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of the injury) to start a claim. It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved.
Why Trust Cordell & Co With Your Claim?
How We Can Help
Our committed team of specialists will guide you through every step of the process providing you with honest advice and realistic outcomes to expect on your case. Our team are experts in personal injury and we have been helping people for 30 years. We have a proven track record in obtaining excellent results for our clients.
We also understand the mental, financial and physical difficulty you may be suffering with and will do our utmost to support you throughout the case.
