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Lifting injuries are among the most common types of workplace accidents. They can happen in warehouses, factories, offices, care homes, shops, hospitality venues, construction settings and delivery roles across the UK.

Many people assume that a lifting injury is “just one of those things” or that they should have been more careful. However, employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect workers from avoidable injury.

The Health and Safety Executive defines manual handling as transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force, including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can include an object, person or animal.

If you were injured because your employer failed to provide proper training, safe systems of work or suitable equipment, you may be able to claim compensation.

If this happened to you and you want to explore your options, Contact Us to arrange an initial consultation.

What types of lifting accidents can lead to a claim?

A lifting injury claim may arise where you were asked to move something that was too heavy, awkward, unstable or unsafe to handle without proper support.

Examples include:

• Lifting heavy boxes in a warehouse
• Moving stock in a shop or supermarket
• Carrying files, furniture or equipment in an office
• Moving patients or residents in a care setting
• Handling materials on a construction site
• Loading or unloading vans, pallets or delivery cages
• Carrying kegs, crates or catering supplies in hospitality

A claim may also be possible where the injury happened during a routine task that had been carried out many times before. The key issue is whether the risk should have been assessed and reduced.

Common lifting injuries at work

Lifting injuries can range from short term pain to long lasting physical problems.

Common injuries include:

• Back injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Neck injuries
• Hernias
• Muscle tears
• Wrist and elbow injuries
• Knee injuries
• Aggravation of a previous condition

Back injuries are particularly common because lifting often places pressure on the spine, muscles and surrounding tissue. Some people feel pain immediately. Others notice symptoms developing later that day or over the following days.

When might an employer be responsible?

An employer may be responsible if they failed to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of injury.

The HSE explains that employers must protect workers from hazardous manual handling and the law requires them to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible, assess the risk of unavoidable manual handling and reduce the risk of injury.

In practical terms, this may involve:

• Providing manual handling training
• Assessing the weight, size and shape of loads
• Providing trolleys, lifting aids or mechanical equipment
• Ensuring enough staff are available for team lifting
• Reducing repetitive lifting tasks
• Planning safer routes for carrying items
• Avoiding twisting, overreaching or lifting from awkward positions
• Considering whether a worker is physically suitable for the task

If these steps were not taken and you were injured as a result, you may have grounds to claim.

Is manual handling training enough to prevent a claim?

Not always.

Some employers assume that providing a short manual handling course is enough to protect them from liability. Training can be important, but it is only one part of workplace safety.

For example, a worker may have received basic training but still be asked to lift items that are too heavy, work too quickly, carry loads over unsafe surfaces or move awkward objects without equipment.

A safe system of work should reflect the reality of the task.

What if I had a previous back problem?

A previous back problem does not automatically prevent you from making a claim.

Many people have some history of back pain. The relevant question is whether the workplace incident caused a new injury or made an existing condition worse.

Medical evidence is usually important in these cases.

What if I felt pain later rather than immediately?

You should not assume that you cannot claim simply because the pain did not appear instantly.

Some lifting injuries develop over hours or days. A worker may feel a twinge during the task but only realise the seriousness of the injury later.

It is still important to report the incident as soon as possible, seek medical attention and keep a clear record of what happened.

What evidence can help a lifting injury claim?

Evidence can make a significant difference.

Helpful evidence may include:

• An accident book entry
• Photographs of the item lifted
• Photographs of the area where the lift took place and of what was lifted
• Witness details
• Training records
• Risk assessments
• CCTV footage
• Medical records
• Payslips showing lost earnings

A solicitor can advise you on what may be available and how it can be obtained.

What can compensation include if a lifting injury claim is successful?

Compensation may include damages for the injury itself as well as financial losses caused by the accident.

This can include:

• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Lost earnings
• Future loss of earnings
• Medical treatment
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation

The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, recovery time, impact on work and any long term consequences.

How long do I have to claim?

In most personal injury claims in England and Wales, court proceedings must be issued within three years of the accident or date of knowledge.

There are exceptions, so it is sensible to seek advice as early as possible. Delay can make it harder to obtain evidence, locate witnesses and establish what went wrong.

Learn more about the limitation period at: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

How Askews Solicitors can help after a lifting injury at work

If you were injured while lifting something at work, Askews Solicitors can help you understand your options.

Contact Us to arrange an initial discussion or visit Accidents at Work Claims to learn more about our services.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.