Why Manual Handling Accidents are Common in the Workplace

01 Dec Why Manual Handling Accidents are Common in the Workplace

Manual handling accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK. They can occur in a number of different settings, from offices and warehouses to construction sites and retail environments, often resulting in serious injuries such as back strains, muscle tears, and long-term musculoskeletal problems. These accidents are usually caused by factors like improper training, inadequate equipment, or poor workplace organisation.

While employers can take proactive steps to reduce these risks, accidents may still happen. If an injury occurs, employees may be entitled to make a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and any long-term impact on their health. In this post, we highlight why manual handling accidents are so common, what employers can do to prevent them, and the steps employees should take if they get injured at work. 

Common Causes of Manual Handling Accidents

Several factors contribute to why manual handling accidents are so frequent in the workplace. At Faircloughs, we can assist clients with a wide range of manual handling accident claims arising from these workplace issues. Knowing what the most common causes are can help both employers and employees take steps to reduce the risk of injury. Here, we highlight some of the most common causes of manual handling accidents in the workplace:

• Improper Training: Employees who have not received adequate training on safe lifting, carrying, or moving techniques are at a higher risk of injury. Without proper guidance, even routine tasks can lead to strains, sprains, or more serious musculoskeletal problems. Ensuring staff are trained correctly is a vital step in preventing accidents.

• Inadequate Equipment: Using unsuitable or faulty equipment, such as trolleys, lifts, or storage systems, increases the likelihood of accidents. When tools are unsafe, damaged, or not designed for the task, employees are more prone to overexertion or slips and falls. Employers must provide appropriate, well-maintained equipment to reduce these risks.

• Poor Workplace Organisation: Cluttered spaces, narrow aisles, or poorly planned workflows can also make manual handling tasks more hazardous. Obstacles, uneven surfaces, or heavy loads stored incorrectly can cause accidents even for experienced workers. Proper organisation and regular risk assessments help minimise these dangers.

When these factors result in injury, the employee may be entitled to claim compensation for their losses and suffering. This entitlement arises from the employer’s failure to fulfil their legal duty to provide a safe workplace and adequate preventive measures. For this reason, securing the necessary evidence and seeking legal advice from personal injury solicitors such as Faircloughs immediately following an incident is vital.

How Employers Can Reduce the Risk

Employers have a legal duty under UK health and safety regulations to protect employees from manual handling injuries. Proper risk assessments are a key step in identifying tasks that may cause harm. By analysing the types of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling required, employers can implement practical measures to minimise risks. Crucially, employers should first look to eliminate the need for manual handling or, where reasonably practicable, automate the task.

Providing adequate training, access to suitable lifting equipment, and clear workplace procedures is also essential. Employers can further reduce accidents by encouraging regular breaks, promoting team lifting when needed, and monitoring staff adherence to safe handling protocols. Taking these proactive steps not only protects employees but also helps maintain productivity and reduce the costs associated with workplace injuries.

Steps to Take After a Manual Handling Accident

If a manual handling accident occurs at a workplace despite the best preventive measures, knowing the correct steps to take is crucial for an injured employee. These actions are not only important for immediate care but also form the necessary legal foundation for seeking compensation. Below, we outline the key steps to take after a manual handling accident:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The main priority following an accident is always the injured person’s health and safety. You must seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor, as some problems, like back or spinal issues, may worsen over time. Ensure the medical professional records the date, time, and circumstances of the injury, explicitly stating that it was a workplace accident. Obtaining prompt medical records is vital for both your immediate treatment and as critical evidence should you decide to pursue a claim later on.

Report the Accident and Gather Evidence

You must then formally report the accident to your employer or a supervisor as soon as possible, ensuring it is recorded in the official Accident Book. Take photographs of the hazard (e.g., faulty equipment or a cluttered aisle) and the surrounding area before any changes are made. Note the names and contact details of any witnesses. An accurate, timely report and thorough documentation of the scene creates a paper trail and is essential for building a strong, successful claim.

Contact Personal Injury Solicitors

After securing medical attention and documenting the incident, the next step is to seek specialist legal advice. Contacting personal injury solicitors, such as Faircloughs, will ensure your rights are protected from the outset. We can assess the viability of the claim, guide you on the necessary evidence required, and manage all communication with your employer and their insurers. Early legal engagement is key to starting the claims process efficiently and correctly.

Make a Personal Injury Claim with Faircloughs

At Faircloughs, our experienced solicitors specialise in handling manual handling accident claims across the UK. We’ve got over 60 years of experience handling personal injury claims, and we work to get our clients the compensation that they deserve for their accidents. We can assist with claims for a wide range of manual handling injuries, including those caused by lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects at work.

We work with you to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and any long-term effects. To discuss a case and explore your options, get in touch with our personal injury team today. Call us directly on 01942 665 700 or complete our online contact form for a complimentary consultation tailored to your situation.