Manual Handling Accidents

Each year more than 25% of the accidents reported to the Health & Safety Executive involve employees injured whilst lifting or moving loads by hand. Most of these accidents result in a sprain or strain, usually of the back requiring time off work.

In January 1993, the Manual Handling Regulations were introduced. These Regulations which seek to prevent injury not just to the back but to any part of the body apply to all operations where human effort is needed to lift, move, steady or position a load at most places of work.

The Regulations set no specific limits on the weight of the load and concentrate on the steps that an employer must take to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury from manual handling.

The employer must carry out an assessment of all operations at work that involve manual handling and where the assessment indicates that there is a risk of injury, the employer should then eliminate or reduce that risk of injury. For example through training and/or changing the method of work or through automation or mechanisation of the operation.

If you have been involved in an accident at work and suffered an injury because your employer has not complied with the Manual Handling Regulations then you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.

Don't delay, contact the Paul Rooney Partnership who have the experience and expertise to help you make a work accident compensation claim.