Extremely common in the workplace, manual handling injuries can affect workers across all sectors. Construction, retail, and distribution are only a few of the more susceptible sectors due to the carrying and lifting involved. These injuries are often insignificant, however, they can sometimes prove to be life-changing.
Manual handling claims are likely not the first thought that crosses your mind after an injury. They can, however, help to address any financial difficulties that resulted from your accident at work.
Your employer has certain responsibilities to you, such as conducting regular risk assessments to prevent hazardous situations, providing adequate training to all employees, and providing PPE when needed.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
There are a wide variety of risk factors involved in manual handling work that can result in musculoskeletal disorders. Aches and pains are the most common symptoms of these disorders, alongside pins and needles, tenderness, cramps, muscle tightness, and swelling. There are three main categories of musculoskeletal disorders:
- Back pain
- Upper limb or repetitive strain disorders
- Lower limb disorders
Back pain can result from a variety of issues. From lower to upper back pain, it can often result from bad posture. Depending on the degree of injury, an injury can cause lifelong issues such as paralysis and pain. A back injury claim is often the solution to provide financial support to you and your family.
Upper limb disorders tend to affect the arms, spanning from the fingers to the neck. They’re commonly called repetitive strain disorders, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Lower limb disorders tend to affect the legs, spanning from the hips to the toes. An example of these disorders is knee bursitis, which is represented by swelling and tenderness in the knee and pain leading to movement reduction.
Fractures, Cuts, and Bruises
Small and unexpected accidents often cause short-term or superficial injuries. From strains and sprains to lacerations and fractures, heavy or awkward loads are often the culprits. Whether through exerting stress on the body, incorrect lifting, carrying, or through other handling operations, manual handling injuries are quite common.
Fractures and lacerations can be extremely dangerous and leave you out of work for long periods of time. Making a claim can award you the compensation you’re owed due to your employer’s negligence that resulted in an accident at work.
What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Injury
- Have good posture when handling heavy loads.
- Exercise regularly to help keep yourself healthy.
- Follow the procedures put in place for your health and safety.
- Make sure you always use the provided PPE.
- Inform employers of hazards you notice.
Any accident at work can greatly impact your mental health alongside the damage done to your physical health. Whether you require extra treatment, therapy, or home modifications to accommodate you, making a claim can often ease your financial burden
Our team is thoroughly trained in manual handling claims, making sure that you always have a professional to fight for your well-being. If you or a loved one have been affected by a manual handling injury, make sure to give us a call for a free chat with our experts. Get in touch with us on 01772 562084 or request a callback.