1.6 Million Working Days Are Lost Due To Manual Handling Injuries Every Year
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Manual Handling Injuries cost Businesses over 1 Million Working Days Every Year
The UK’s Health and Safety executive have in recent years reported that the British work force are losing more than 1.6 million working days due to manual handling injuries every year.
These injuries causing days lost are usually referred to as musculoskeletal disorders but they also include injuries such as strains, sprains, trapped fingers, cuts from sharp objects or any other injury arising from carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing heavy loads.
This staggering figure highlights the need for greater awareness surrounding our manual workforce culture and the importance of manual handling training along with general health and safety knowledge on both the employer’s and employee’s part.
Have you been injured as a result of handling heavy objects without having been given the appropriate training? Then we can help.
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How can employers avoid losing working days due to accidents at work
Employers should be providing manual handling training to any staff member whose role involves lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects.
It is essential that employers train their staff in this area of health and safety to prevent injuries from occurring as much as possible.
Businesses offering health and safety training will likely see a reduction of workplace accidents and personal injuries to their staff.
If you are injured at work due to a lack of manual handling training you are likely able to make an industrial disease compensation claim.
Documenting Training on Manual Handling
When manual handling training is provided, employers keep a record of this and employees sign a document to confirm they have received the appropriate training.
Such documentation will undoubtedly be in place in most workplaces around the UK to protect employers and employees alike.
What can Cause Manual Handling Injuries and accidents?
Manual handling injuries are often only considered to be a risk in jobs where a lot of heavy lifting is required. However, many people suffer from back injuries, repetitive strain injuries and upper limb disorders even if their job role does not involve heavy lifting.
Bad posture and repetitive manual tasks often induce musculoskeletal disorders and a combination of both can be just as harmful as lifting excessive weights.
If you do suffer from any upper limb or back pain that you believe has been caused by your job role it is worth noting how often you perform a repetitive task and the position that your body is in whilst performing the particular activity.
Which Industries report the Highest Number of Working Days Lost due to Manual Handling Injuries?
The HSE stats as of 2012/13 report that nurses, care workers and retail assistants are among some of the highest at risk of handling injuries.
However, it is not just limited to jobs involving manual labour. Other job roles that rank amongst some of the highest occupations causing injuries include van drivers, cleaners, kitchen workers and catering assistants.
It is fair to say that a workplace injury can happen in any industry, but that most injuries are completely preventable with the implementation of the correct training, breaks and workplace assessments.
If you have been injured at work, don’t suffer in silence. We are here for you.
Claiming Compensation for Manual Handling Injuries caused at Work
If you have suffered from an injury at work that you believe was caused due to inadequate training or other prevention methods, you may be able to claim compensation for the suffering you endured.
Back injuries from heavy lifting, bad posture or repetitive lifting where training has not been provided is certainly worth enquiring about. However, we would always advise trying to receive a formal diagnosis from a health professional first to ensure there is a causal link between your work and your injury.
We would advise getting a formal diagnosis in most cases prior to pursuing a claim, including in cases where you are suffering from repetitive strain injuries as these types of injuries can be brought on by a number of reasons.
How can I Claim Compensation for Manual Handling Injuries?
AWH Solicitors specialise in industrial disease and work place injury and illness, and can help you bring a successful claim for compensation.
We are an award winning law firm offering no win no fee legal guidance and support, ready to take on your case.
To speak to one of our specialist industrial disease solicitors please call 0800 999 2220 or simply ask us your question through the contact form at the bottom of this page.
