In this guide, we will look at some common manual handling injuries in the workplace. We’ll consider how they could occur and the impact that they can have. In particular, this guide will look at what kinds of accidents could form the basis of a valid claim.
A guide to common manual handling injuries in the workplace
You may be wondering how much compensation you could be awarded in a successful claim. This guide will include a section looking at how claims are valued and the different heads of claim you could receive if your case is successful. Finally, we will look at the advantages of working with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel on your case.
You can speak to our advisors now to see if you are eligible to make a workplace injury claim. They can provide you with a free assessment if you:
- Call us for free on 0113 460 1216
- Find out about making a claim online
- Use the live chat feature below
Select A Section
- A Guide To Common Manual Handling Injuries In The Workplace
- When Are You Able To Claim For A Manual Handling Injury?
- What Evidence Could Help You In Manual Handling At Work Claims?
- Potential Compensation From A Manual Handling Accident
- See If You Can Claim For Manual Handling Injuries On A No Win No Fee Basis
- Read More About How You Could Claim For Common Manual Handling Injuries In The Workplace
A Guide To Common Manual Handling Injuries In The Workplace
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s regulator for workplace safety. It defines manual handling as transporting or supporting a load using your hand or bodily force; this can include pushing, pulling, carrying and putting down of a load.
The following injuries could be associated with manual handling tasks:
- Hand and wrist damage
- Leg and pelvic pain
- Back injuries
- Foot and toe injuries
Sustaining a manual handling injury will not automatically entitle you to make a claim. You must show that the injury happened as a result of negligence. We will take a closer look at this in the following section.
You can also get in touch with a member of our team today for free advice about the process of claiming; they might be able to connect you with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel to work on your case.
When Are You Able To Claim For A Manual Handling Injury?
In order to make a personal injury claim for injuries sustained in a workplace accident, you will need to show that:
- You were owed a duty of care
- Your employer breached this duty
- This caused you physical and/or psychological injury
The duty of care that employers owe is outlined in Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HASAWA). It states that employers must take reasonably practicable steps to prevent employees from suffering harm as they work.
Below are some examples of common manual handling injuries in the workplace that you could sustain as a result of negligence:
- An employee sustains an injury to the ligament in their back because they were made to lift something that they said was too heavy for them.
- You’re asked to undertake a handling task, but the floor that you need to carry it through is wet and unmarked. This results in a slip and fall that results in a head injury.
- If you’re asked to undertake a manual handling task without any training, meaning your technique is poor. This results in you dropping the load onto your foot and sustaining a toe fracture.
There are other scenarios that could entitle you to claim compensation. Speak with a member of our team for a no-obligation consultation.
What Evidence Could Help You In Manual Handling At Work Claims?
Evidence in a personal injury claim may be useful in strengthening your claim and ensuring that all aspects of the way you were harmed are covered. For example, you could provide:
- CCTV footage that clearly shows the accident or its cause
- A personal diary that details treatments needed and your psychological state before and after the accident
- Copies of medical proof. This could be X-rays or proof of prescriptions
- Photographs of the injuries and the location
- Contact details for any witnesses who are willing to provide a supporting statement at a later date.
A personal injury solicitor could offer help with gathering proof to support your claim. If you would like to benefit from a free assessment of eligibility about this, speak to our advisors at the contact details above.
Potential Compensation From A Manual Handling Accident
If a claim for common manual handling injuries in the workplace is successful, you could receive two heads of damage. General damages are amounts that aim to compensate for the pain, distress and suffering created by the injuries.
To do this, legal professionals consult a document called the Judicial College Guidelines. We include an excerpt featuring some potential manual handling injuries below:
Award Brackets
| Area Of Injury | Severity | Award Bracket | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvis | (b) Moderate (i) | £26,590 to £39,170 | Significant injury to the pelvis or hip where any permanent disability is not considered to be major or any future risk great. |
| Pelvis | (b) Moderate (ii) | £12,590 to £26,590 | Claims that involve a hip replacement procedure either immediately or in the foreseeable future and give rise to more than just moderate ongoing symptoms. |
| Back | (b) Moderate (i) | £27,760 to £38,780 | Cases in this bracket are typically compression and crush injuries that give rise to a significant risk of constant pain and osteoarthritis. May require surgery. |
| Back | (b) Moderate (ii) | £12,510 to £27,760 | Back muscle injuries or soft tissue issues that disturb ligaments. Looks at the extent of treatment needed and impact on future life. |
| Neck | (b) Moderate (i) | £24,990 to £38,490 | Fracture and dislocation injuries that cause immediate severe issues and may require surgery. |
| Elbow | (b) Less Severe | £15,650 to £32,010 | Injuries causing impaired function but which do not prompt significant disability or necessitate major surgery. |
| Knee | (b) Moderate (i) | £14,840 to £26,190 | Torn cartilage and dislocation injuries that cause minor instability. Wasting and weakness also a risk of mild disability over a prolonged period. |
| Hand | (h) Moderate Hand Injury | £5,720 to £13,280 | Injuries that crush and penetrate the hand and fingers leaving soft tissue damage or lacerations. |
| Shoulder | (c) Moderate | £7,890 to £12,770 | Frozen shoulder that causes limited movement and discomfort with symptoms which persist for approximately 2 years. |
| Wrist | (f) Wrist Injuries | £3,530 to £4,740 | Very minor undisplaced fractures, or fractures with minimal displacement. Soft tissue injuries that need a period in plaster or with surgical pins. A virtual or full recovery within up to 12 months. |
The award bracket amounts are intended only to help guide the valuation of personal injury claims. They are not guaranteed amounts. For a more precise idea of what may apply in your case, speak to our advisors.
Claiming Financial Losses In A Workplace Accident Claim
Special damages is a second head of claim. This compensates for the financial losses and costs that you incurred as a result of the accident in which you were injured. This could include:
- Loss of income if your injuries left you unable to work
- The cost of medical treatments
- Paying for essential adaptations needed to your home or vehicle
Evidence is important to receive this head of claim; for example, you could use receipts, invoices and wage slips that show the money you have spent or lost. Speak with a member of our team today for guidance on collecting evidence in your claim. They could also offer advice on common manual handling injuries in the workplace and when they could form the basis of a valid case.
See If You Can Claim For Manual Handling Injuries On A No Win No Fee Basis
We invite readers to speak to our team about common manual handling injuries in the workplace and find out how a personal injury solicitor could help with a claim. If your case is valid, they could direct you to a solicitor from our panel who offers a No Win No Fee contract. They may provide a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
This typically means that no upfront or ongoing fees are needed to secure the solicitor’s services. If the claim is unsuccessful, no fee is usually required for the work the solicitor has done. However, a successful outcome will entail a small deduction from the award to reward them for their efforts on your behalf. This deduction is subject to a legislative cap which means the claimant always receives the majority of the award.
If you would like to find out more about claims for common manual handling injuries in the workplace caused by negligence, why not:
- Call us for free on 0113 460 1216
- Find out about making a claim online
- Try our live chat feature.
Read More About How You Could Claim For Common Manual Handling Injuries In The Workplace
As well as guidance on common manual handling injuries in the workplace, we can offer more resources for your reference. For example, we have included some resources below:
- Read more on manual handling injury claims
- Everything you should know about making a workplace injury claim
- Information on how to prevent an accident in the workplace.
In addition to this, these links may be helpful:
- Read more on good handling techniques
- Some information on back pain from the NHS
- Advice on statutory sick pay from the government
Writer Jeff Wallow
Publisher Fern Stringer