According to Health & Safety Executive statistics, almost 20% of all non-fatal work-related accidents in Great Britain in the past year were caused by lifting, handling, or carrying. Occupations that involve heavy lifting, such as farming, construction, and catering, are at a higher risk of these types of injuries.

Therese Classon, personal injury solicitor at WBW Solicitors in Newton Abbot, outlines the causes and nature of many workplace lifting injuries and explains how you might claim compensation if you have been hurt in such an accident.

Causes and Nature of Lifting Injuries

There are several factors that can contribute to a lifting injury in the workplace. These include the weight of the objects being carried, the awkward posture required to carry heavy objects, inadequate handholds on the loads being lifted, and the high frequency and duration of lifting required in the job. Environmental factors, such as poor lighting, cold temperatures, and hot temperatures, can also contribute to the risk of injury.

Possible injuries caused by lifting include muscle pulls, back sprains, dislocations, as well as wrist, neck, elbow, shoulder, and spinal injuries.

Duties of an Employer

An employer has a duty to assess and minimise the risks involved in their employees’ job tasks. This includes providing the right training, equipment, and safety gear, as well as ensuring that employees are not required to do something that could potentially cause them harm. If an employee’s lifting injury is caused by the employer’s failure to adequately fulfil this duty, the employee may be eligible to claim compensation.

How a Solicitor Can Help with a Lifting Injury

If you have been injured in a lifting accident at work, and you believe that your employer was at fault, it is important to consult a solicitor as soon as possible. Personal injury claims must be brought within strict time limits.

At WBW Solicitors, our specialist personal injury lawyers can help you through the claim process. We will gather the evidence you need to support your claim and, in most cases, we will try to negotiate a settlement without the need for a court appearance.

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the nature and severity of your injury. It may include reimbursement for medical bills, physiotherapy, travel expenses to the hospital, as well as compensation for your personal injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings.

For more information on claiming compensation for lifting accidents at work, contact Therese Classon at WBW Solicitors in Newton Abbot on 01626 202328 or email [email protected]

WBW has offices in TorquayPaigntonNewton AbbotExeterBovey Tracey,  Exmouth,  Honiton,  Sidmouth,  Launceston,  AxminsterChard and Seaton.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.