Many of us lift things within the work place without even thinking about the consequences – this may result in injuries such as repetitive strains on our bodies.
In the rules there is no specific maximum weight that a person can lift at work. This makes sense as we are all different individuals and the levels that we can push ourselves to vary from person to person.
Ergonomics is described as ‘fitting the job to the person and not the person to the job’.
The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 does not take the ergonomics approach as this may lead to incorrect conclusions; therefore, an ergonomic assessment is carried out based on a range of relevant factors used to determine the risk of injury.
The regulations establish clear control measures to assist with the assessment.
- Avoid hazardous manual handling operations in a reasonably and practicable fashion. Amend the task to avoid moving the load or mechanise the process.
- Ensure that a thorough assessment of all hazardous manual handling is carried out where the task cannot be avoided.
- Reduce the risk of injury from the task as is reasonably possible; this may include reducing the load, amending the task, or the working environment.
The risk of injury from a manual handling task will be increased where the workers do not have the relevant information or training to enable them to work safely. It is therefore imperative that employers ensure that their staff are correctly trained and mechanical aids are available. Unfortunately, the provision of training and information alone will not ensure safe manual handling.
The most common type of occupational ill health in the UK is work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include manual handling injuries. Not all MSDs can be prevented; so any symptoms should be reported as soon as possible – proper treatment and rehabilitation is essential.
Have you suffered an injury? You should have in the first instance reported this to your employer and visited your GP for a check up. The injury may have caused you to have time off work, possibly without pay. You may have had medical treatment which you have had to pay for.
Many of us suffer injuries at work that were not our fault, but many do not feel that it is appropriate to ask for compensation from our employers, and sometimes suffer in silence; unaware of the seriousness of the injury and the potential future consequences. You should be aware that there is a limitation period on the time between the date the injury was caused and submission of a claim, so even if you suffered an injury a while ago, you may still be within the time period to claim.
To find out more information contact the injury lawyers, and we will answer any questions you may have about a claim. This is free, no obligation advice on how claims are submitted and the benefits you may be compensated with.
