Ways to avoid lifting injury

• Ask yourself if there is any way you can avoid lifting the object or use apparatus to help you lift it in a safer way

• Ask a friend or colleague to help

• Test the weight of the object before lifting or moving it.  Tip the object to determine weight.  Don’t let the size of an object fool you into thinking it is light

• Get a tight secure grip on the object before you attempt a lift.  Handles may help you lift certain objects.

• Use you legs and arms to lift – not your back

• Get as close as possible to an object before lifting.  Never extend your arms when lifting or lowering a heavy object

• Carry the object in the space between your shoulders and waist, putting less strain on your back muscles

• Use slow and smooth movements.  Avoid the temptation to move sharply and use momentum to facilitate the move

• Keep your body facing the object when attempting to move it.  Twisting will hurt your back

• Don’t arch your back

If you injure yourself at work you may be entitled to compensation even if you have been given manual handling or other training, call our specialist lawyers on 0800 0891331 or complete the compensation claim form below and we will advise if you have a valid claim for compensation.

Compensation Claim Form