Lower back pain is an extremely common complaint in our society today, with up to 80% of the population suffering some form of low back pain in their lifetime. A high percentage of these complaints are caused by lifting something incorrectly, repetitively or underestimation of the load's weight.
Many of us may have heard of the ‘correct way' to lift and will endeavour to do so when we are working at home or in the garden. See our top 10 tips for preventing lifting injury to ensure you know how to avoid suffering a back injury.
Manual handling in the workplace
However, the majority of lifting injuries occur in the workplace and while you are in a place of work your employer is responsible for your overall health and safety. His duties and obligations in this area are governed largely by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
These regulations hold that as far as practicably possible, employers must seek to avoid tasks involving manual handling. Where lifting and carrying tasks are unavoidable any risk of accident or injury to staff must be reduced as much as possible, and, where necessary, risk assessments should be carried out.
However, employees have certain duties to ensure their own safety and if they fail in these duties and subsequently suffer an injury, it may compromise their ability to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons personal injury solicitors can answer your questions
If you have suffered a manual handling injury at work which was not your fault then you might be entitled to compensation.
It's likely that you might have a few questions. You'll find some of the answers here, by clicking on the links below.
- What are the rules relating to manual handling at work?
- What are my employers’ duties in connection with manual handling?
- What are my duties in connection with manual handling?
- How can I avoid manual handling?
Claiming compensation for a manual handling injury is a complex area. If you need advice about making a claim just give us a call on 0800 0891 331. We have a No Win No Fee package for those who decide to take matters further and our success rate is high.
