Lifting heavy objects is a routine task in many workplaces, from delivery services and furniture moving to hospitality and retail environments. However, these tasks can place significant strain on the body and potentially lead to various injuries if not performed correctly.
Find out if you may be able to claim after suffering a lifting injury in the workplace:
The Importance of Safe Manual Handling
Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees work in a safe environment and adopt practices that minimise the risk of injury. This is crucial when heavy lifting is involved.
Legally, employers must conduct risk assessments for manual handling tasks and provide the necessary training and equipment to prevent injuries. Employees should receive regular training on the correct methods for lifting, putting down, pushing, and moving heavy objects.
For instance, if an employee needs to move a heavy object exceeding a certain weight, the employer must ensure that the task is shared among the appropriate number of people to reduce the risk of accidents.
Lifting Injuries in the Workplace
Several factors contribute to lifting injuries, including:
- The weight of the objects
- Incorrect lifting and handling procedures
- Multiple lifting jobs and the duration of lifting tasks
- Environmental conditions such as temperatures, poor lighting, and structural obstacles
Common injuries from lifting heavy objects include:
- Muscle pulls, strains, and sprains
- Hernias
- Dislocated joints
- Wrist and elbow injuries
- Neck strains
- Back, spine, and disc problems
While many injuries are minor, serious accidents can occur, potentially causing life-altering damage.
What to Do If You Are Injured
If you suffer an injury at work due to lifting heavy objects and believe your employer’s negligence contributed to the incident, you might be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice promptly is crucial, as personal injury claims must be filed within strict time limits.
Pursuing compensation for a lifting injury isn’t just about financial recovery; it’s also about preventing similar incidents in the future by emphasising the need for proper safety measures and training in the workplace.
How DMA’s Personal Injury Team Can Help
The DMA Personal Injury Team is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you need medical treatment, a personal carer, a temporary replacement vehicle, or other assistance, we can arrange it as part of our stress-free claim service. Whatever your need, we’re here to help. Please give us a call, or fill in the contact form and we will get in touch.
