What is a Manual Handling Injury? A Complete Guide for Workers

Manual handling injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting thousands of workers in the UK each year. These injuries can result from tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy or awkward loads. If not managed properly, manual handling activities can lead to significant physical harm, including back injuries, muscle strains, and joint issues.

This guide explores what manual handling injuries are, how they occur, and the steps workers can take to prevent them or seek compensation if they suffer harm.

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What is Manual Handling?

Manual handling involves any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or move an object. This type of work is common across industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Tasks like lifting boxes in a warehouse, moving furniture, or even assisting patients in a hospital all fall under manual handling.

While it is an essential part of many jobs, improper manual handling can lead to serious injuries, often impacting the back, shoulders, and limbs.

Common Types of Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling injuries can vary in severity, but some of the most common types include:

• Sprains and Strains: Overstretching muscles or ligaments due to excessive force or awkward movements.
• Back Injuries: Including herniated discs or chronic lower back pain caused by repeated improper lifting.
• Joint Injuries: Particularly affecting the knees, elbows, or shoulders.
• Hernias: Caused by overexertion during lifting.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), musculoskeletal disorders, which often result from poor manual handling practices, are one of the leading causes of workplace absenteeism in the UK.

Causes of Manual Handling Injuries

The root causes of manual handling injuries typically include:

1. Lack of Training: Workers who are not trained in proper lifting techniques are more likely to sustain injuries.
2. Poor Techniques: Improper posture, sudden movements, or twisting while lifting can strain the body.
3. Excessive Load: Lifting or moving items that are too heavy without assistance.
4. Repetitive Tasks: Continuous lifting or carrying can lead to cumulative strain.
5. Unsafe Conditions: Slippery floors, cluttered workspaces, or inadequate equipment can increase risks.

Legal Responsibilities of Employers

Under UK health and safety laws, employers are legally required to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. This includes:

• Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards in manual handling tasks.
• Providing appropriate training to employees on safe handling techniques.
• Supplying equipment such as trolleys or hoists to reduce manual labour.
• Ensuring the workplace is free from unnecessary risks, such as uneven floors or obstructions.

Employers who fail to fulfil these obligations may be held liable for injuries sustained in the workplace.

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Steps to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

Both employers and employees have roles to play in minimising the risk of injuries:

• For Employees:
  • Always use proper lifting techniques: keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and hold objects close to your body.
  • Use available equipment like dollies or hoists whenever possible.
  • Avoid overexerting yourself – ask for help with heavy loads.
• For Employers:
  • Provide ergonomic tools, such as adjustable chairs and workbenches.
  • Encourage workers to take breaks during repetitive tasks.
  • Regularly review and update workplace safety measures.

What to Do If You Sustain a Manual Handling Injury

If you suffer a manual handling injury, take these immediate steps:

1. Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get a proper diagnosis to understand the extent of the injury.
3. Document the Injury: Take notes, photographs, and keep medical records.
4. Gather Evidence: Identify any unsafe workplace conditions that contributed to the incident.

This documentation will be critical if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Making a Manual Handling Injury Claim

If your injury resulted from your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Filing a claim involves:

• Consulting a Solicitor: Speak with a specialist in personal injury claims to assess your case.
• Providing Evidence: Submit all relevant documents, including medical records and proof of unsafe conditions.
• Negotiating a Settlement: Work with your solicitor to seek fair compensation for your pain, lost wages, and any ongoing treatment costs.

Grieves Solicitors have years of experience helping workers secure the compensation they deserve for workplace injuries. Our dedicated team will guide you through the claims process with care and expertise.

Taking the Next Steps After a Manual Handling Injury

Manual handling injuries can have a profound impact on your life, from physical pain to financial strain. By understanding the risks, advocating for proper training, and seeking help when needed, workers can protect themselves and their rights. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe workplace practices, contact Grieves Solicitors for expert advice on making a claim.

Our caring and supportive team are here to listen and advise on 0800 0747 644. Or you can complete a Free Online Enquiry to set up a free consultation or tell us more about your story.

Here at Grieves Solicitors, Personal Injury Specialists, we offer a no win, no fee solution to funding your claim (a conditional fee agreement) which means that you do not have to worry about legal costs and expenses.  You can read about our no win, no fee agreement here.