Manual handling injuries

What are the four key areas of manual handling?

Before doing any manual handling task at work, your employer should make sure you have the right training and equipment to do your job safely. It doesn't matter how big or heavy the object might be, the risks should be assessed, and one way your employer can do this is to put TILE guidelines in place. We explain these manual handling guidelines below:

• Task - Think about how the object will be moved, whether it will be pushed, lifted or carried.
• Individual - Consider whether the task is within the capabilities of the person, such as their strength and fitness levels.
• Load - Consider the size, weight and shape of the object being handled. Will the person carrying out the task need an additional person or a machine to help?
• Environment - Check the route that will be taken while handling the object. Will the person be going over uneven floors, steps or wet surfaces? Will there be doorways or other items that could pose a challenge?

By following manual handling guidelines like these, the chances of an accident happening are much lower. If you've been hurt after carrying or lifting at work and it wasn't your fault, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. If you're unsure whether you can claim or have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team on , request a call back or start your claim online today. We'll listen to what happened and let you know if we think you could claim compensation.

What are the common causes of manual handling accidents?

As with most physical tasks, there are many ways that manual handling injuries can happen at work. Here are some of the most common causes of manual handling accidents: 

• Stacking or unstacking containers (such as boxes and crates)
• Pushing wheeled racks (such as trolleys of produce)
• Handling heavy containers (such as casks, kegs, crates etc)
• Packing products/objects
• Twisting, turning and bending the back to access an object
• Handling loads that are difficult to grasp
• Trying to reach something with outstretched arms

Your employer should have measures in place to reduce the chances of material handling accidents like these happening. You can find out more about this in The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which explains the duties of employers and employees. 

What are some examples of injuries caused by manual handling?

Manual handling injuries can vary from mild to serious and even life-changing, such as long-term musculoskeletal disorders or permanent disability. Some examples of injuries caused by manual handling are:

• Cuts, bruises and fractures due to sudden and unexpected movements.
• Damage to the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, blood vessels and nerves. These are categorised into three groups:
• Neck and upper limb disorders
• Lower limb disorders
• Back pain and back injuries

Unfortunately, manual handling injuries like these can have a huge impact on your life. We understand that some physical injuries may be long-term and life-changing, and it can be difficult to come to terms with this after your accident. You may find that your mental health suffers too and that relationships with your loved ones are affected as a result.

Please know that you're not alone - we're here to make things right and help you claim compensation for your manual handling injuries. We know that this can't take away what's happened, but it may help you to cover any costs you're facing and give you some financial support if you're unable to work. So when you're ready, please call a member of our friendly team on who can advise you further on your manual handling claim.

How much compensation will I get for manual handling injuries?

As everyone's case is different, we don't have a quick or easy answer to this question. The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will depend on several factors, such as the injuries you have, your recovery time, the affect the accident has had on your finances and how it has impacted on your life. 

Your personal injury lawyer will take things like this into account when working out how much compensation you could be awarded:

• Any medical treatment you've had to pay for, including prescription costs
• Any adaptations you've made to your home or car as a result of your injury
• Any lost earnings from time taken off work to recover or to attend medical appointments
• Any travel costs, such as getting to the hospital
• Any effect your accident has had on your mental health

Our team of legal experts will use the guidelines set by the Judicial College, part of the Ministry of Justice, along with other methods such as case law when calculating your compensation, You can take a look at their guidelines for a rough idea of how much you could receive if your claim is successful - but please note that this is a guide and your final figure will depend on the precise details of your case which we'll need to investigate.

Can I make a no win no fee claim?

Yes, we are usually able to manage cases on a no win no fee basis. When you get in touch with us, we'll be able to let you know if this is an option for you. Rest assured that there are no hidden fees or confusing terms to worry about - our team will explain how it all works at the start of your claim, so you know exactly what to expect. 

Essentially, no win no fee means that if you lose your case, you don't have to pay any legal fees. Your solicitor may need to take out special legal protection insurance for you, which pays the costs if your claim fails, and ensures that claiming is risk free. The cost of the insurance premium is only deducted from your award if your case succeeds. You'll never have to pay anything upfront, no hidden charges and so you'll never be out of pocket.

If you win your claim, your solicitor will typically make the following deductions from the compensation you are awarded:

• A ‘success fee' for winning the claim.
• The other side will usually be required to make a payment towards your legal costs -  and expenses but any shortfall may also be deducted from your compensation.
• The cost of the premium for any legal protection insurance you may have needed to ensure your claim is risk free.

You keep the rest and this will always be the majority of the compensation awarded to you. The deductions we list above will only be made when your compensation is paid. There are no upfront costs and no hidden charges.

Is there a time limit for making a manual handling injuries claim?

Yes, as with most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make your claim. Sometimes, this time limit may change. For example, if you're claiming for someone who, for whatever reason, lacks the mental capacity to make a personal injury claim.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 states that a person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack it, in which case you may have longer to start your case. Also, if your manual handling injuries happened when you were under the age of 18, you'd have three years from your 18th birthday to your 21st birthday to make your manual handling claim. Please note that exceptions to the time limits don't always apply, so please do get in touch as soon as possible to see if we can help you.

We know that making a claim after an accident at work can seem stressful, but rest assured we'll make the process as simple as possible so you can focus on your recovery. We'll keep you up to date every step of the way - and you can keep track of your claim using our handy online system, MyAccount. 

If you're ready to speak to us about your manual handling accident, you can call us for free, impartial advice on or request a call back. We'll be happy to help you make things right.