Injuries suffered during lifting operations are very common in industry and are a source of many claims for compensation. Accidents can happen during manual operations ie. when a load is being moved or lifted bodily or out of the use of lifting machinery.

Injuries suffered during manual operations are likely to be caused when attempting to lift a load which is too heavy or lifting the load incorrectly. This type of accident can cause sprains, strains, hernias and back injuries or, if the load is dropped, trapping or crushing injuries.

In an attempt to reduce the number of accidents The Manual Handling Operations (1992) were implemented. These regulations place an obligation on employers to avoid manual operations where possible and otherwise to to assess and minimise the risks involved and to provide proper trainng, instruction and supervision.

Any breach of these regulations resulting in injury can lead to a claim for compensation and employers also have a duty at Common Law to protect their employees from injury in the workplace.

Lifting accidents involving machinery are likely to be caused by articles falling from or being dropped from equipment, articles being pushed on to persons or mobile equipment (eg. fork lift trucks) colliding with persons.

Apart from Common Law liability there are various statutes governing the inspection, maintenance and use of lifting equipment with which employers must comply. Breach of regulations can result in fines and compensation claims if injury occurs.

If you have suffered a lifting accident injury in the last three years you may be entitled to compensation. If you would like a Free Legal Assessment of your claim please complete the Application Form. We will handle your claim on a No Win No Fee basis at no cost to you.

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