Many jobs involve manual handling tasks like lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying. These activities, if not done safely, can lead to accidents that result in injuries and lost productivity.
The most common type of manual handling injury is a back injury, often caused by poor lifting techniques or excessive strain. Knowing the risks involved in manual handling is vital in order to prevent accidents and foster a safer work environment. This guide explores common manual handling injuries, their causes, and practical steps to minimise harm.
What is manual handling?
Manual handling refers to tasks requiring physical effort to move objects, and it’s common across several industries:
- Construction: Lifting heavy materials.
- Agriculture: Moving tools, machinery, or produce.
- Retail: Stocking shelves and handling deliveries.
- Healthcare: Assisting patients with mobility.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance on manual handling and its risks, highlighting the importance of safe practices in the workplace.
The most common workplace injuries from manual handling
Back injuries are the most frequent result of manual handling accidents. In 2023/24, approximately 543,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including both new and long-standing cases. Of these, back injuries are particularly common, accounting for a significant proportion of the reported conditions (HSE, 2023/24).
These injuries typically occur due to:
- Incorrect lifting techniques: Poor posture or movements can strain the back.
- Excessive load weights: Lifting loads beyond your capacity leads to injuries.
- Repetitive movements: Ongoing strain causes cumulative damage.
Specific injuries include:
- Slipped discs
- Muscle strains
- Spinal injuries
According to HSE, in 2023/24, the rate of work-related MSDs was recorded at 1,600 per 100,000 workers. Prevention and proper training are key to worker safety, and employers should prioritise assessing manual handling processes and provide thorough training to prevent such injuries.
Other common workplace injuries
While back injuries are the most prevalent, other frequent injuries from manual handling include:
- Strains and sprains: Overstretching muscles or tendons during tasks.
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Repetitive strain injuries due to awkward movements.
- Hernias: Sudden strain from improper lifting techniques.
- Foot and hand injuries: Dropped objects or crush incidents cause severe harm.
Addressing these risks creates safer workplaces and reduces the likelihood of manual handling incidents at work.
Why do manual handling incidents happen?
Several factors contribute to workplace injuries, such as:
- Inadequate training: Workers may not know how to perform tasks safely.
- Lack of risk assessments: Skipping evaluations or failing to act on findings increases hazards.
- Improper equipment use: Neglecting mechanical aids like trolleys or hoists.
- Fatigue or poor posture: Physical exhaustion compromises safe handling techniques.
The HSE provides statistics and analysis of common workplace injuries, offering insights into the causes and prevention of manual handling accidents.
Preventing manual handling injuries
Follow these workplace safety tips to minimise risks:
Start with a risk assessment
Use the TILE method to pinpoint high-risk tasks
- Task: Assess the activity.
- Individual: Consider the worker’s physical ability.
- Load: Evaluate the weight and shape of the object.
- Environment: Check for hazards like cluttered areas or uneven surfaces.
Practice proper lifting techniques:
- Stand close to the load.
- Bend your knees, not your back.
- Hold the load close to your body.
- Avoid twisting while lifting.
Use mechanical aids
Equipment like dollies, hoists and forklifts reduce physical strain.
Provide training and PPE
Regular training and gear like gloves and steel-toe boots ensure safety.
Organise workspaces
Keep pathways clear to prevent trips or dropped loads.
Employer responsibilities
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers are legally obligated to:
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safe practices.
- Provide appropriate equipment and training.
- Ensure a safe working environment to prevent injuries.
Meeting these responsibilities not only protects workers but also reduces the likelihood of legal liability.
What to do after a manual handling incident
If you experience a workplace injury, take these steps:
- Report the incident: Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Seek medical attention: Document the injury for treatment and legal purposes.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, note hazards, and collect witness details.
- Consult a solicitor: If negligence contributed to your injury, seek legal advice to explore compensation options.
For advice tailored to your circumstances, visit Injury Lawyers 4U.
When to seek legal support
Legal professionals can assist with compensation claims by:
- Collecting evidence like CCTV footage, medical records, and witness statements.
- Navigating complex legal processes and ensuring a strong case.
- Offering no win, no fee options to eliminate financial concerns.
Whether you’ve experienced back injuries at work, strains and sprains or other common workplace injuries, legal support can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Prioritising workplace safety
Knowing the causes of manual handling incidents and how to prevent them is the best way to reduce risks. Employers and employees must collaborate to implement workplace safety tips and minimise injuries.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Contact Injury Lawyers 4U for expert advice, backed by a no win, no fee policy, to help you move forward.