Injuries caused by heavy lifting
Here we discuss a case involving
lifting at work
If you have been
injured at work in this way, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Please contact
us today for FREE advice about your case.
Lifting injuries are very common in the UK
workplace. Mainly resulting from a lack of training or awareness on the part
of the employer. Back injuries accounted for 49% of all reported manual
handling injury cases in 2004/2005.
This case study concerns a female claimant who
worked in a factory. She was asked to move a number of large boxes each
weighing 15 kilograms. One box in our view was too heavy for a female to
carry, this individual had to shift 11 boxes during a 30 minute period. The
size of the box was also a problem because the claimant's grip was poor. The
depth of the box meant that she had to move the item away from her torso
which placed extra pressure on the back.
The claimant suffered a soft tissue back injury
and was off work for 8 weeks. The employer had not trained the claimant on
manual handling or provided any aids, equipment or assistance to complete
the task.
Your employer should protect you
from personal injury by reducing the risk of injury being sustained
and complying with
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations1992. They had failed in their
duties under the Regulations.
The claimants compensation claim
was successful and she recovered £6130 in damages for pain & suffering along
with out of pocket expenses.
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