Manual handling claims

Can I claim for a Manual Handling Injury?

Your employer has a duty to risk assess the jobs you carry out, but they also have to take reasonable steps to avoid any situation where manual handling may be required. For example, many different types of equipment can be used to avoid the need for manual handling altogether, or to reduce the strain and load that you handle. These include a forklift truck and pallet trucks. Your employer must also assess your physical capability to do the job and whether the risk of injury can be reduced by the job being carried out by additional people. They must also ensure that you are given thorough and frequent training on how to lift and transport goods and loads properly. If your employer has failed to carry out these duties and has not taken all reasonable care for your safety in the workplace, you may be able to make a successful claim for compensation for any injuries you have sustained.