Manual handling is something that must be addressed in nearly all forms of employment. Most people naturally think of warehouse operatives or construction workers when it comes to lifting and carrying claims, but the reality is it affects almost every working person.
As a travelling salesman or saleswoman, it’s likely you will need to carry round product specimens, information leaflets, laptops, and a whole host of other equipment and items. So there is a real risk of manual handling injuries in this line of work.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations say that manual handling should be totally avoided where it can be. Where it cannot be avoided, any and all tasks must be risk assessed to ensure that:
- The size and weight of the load is manageable
- The route of the lift is safe to navigate
- There are enough members of staff available to assist
Where work equipment can be provided to make the job easier, it should be. This could include a trolley or a hoist; but perhaps more applicable for this kind of scenario are wheeled suitcases or proper satchels or containers to safely carry things.
Training is also very important. If you are expected to perform any manual handling tasks, you must be properly trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques. Lifting in and out of a vehicle is fraught with danger and it needs to be done in the right way,
So, generally speaking, if your employer has failed to do any of the above and that has resulted in your accident or injury, you may have a claim for personal injury compensation.
Your Rights
All employers must have employers liability insurance to cover their employees who need to make a claim for personal injury compensation when they are injured in the line of duty. When you make a claim, all you are doing is claiming the compensation you are owed through the insurance that is there to cover you.
All you need to do is instruct a specialist personal injury law firm like us and we can submit your claim notification form to the appropriate company. We will also set up a medical appointment with an expert to provide us with a report that we will use to value your claim and assess what private medical care we may need to arrange funding for.
We can do all this on a genuine no win, no fee basis – and we don’t rip you off with massive deductions like 40%, hefty upfront fees, or further hidden deductions at the end of the claim either. We believe in the safe way of claiming where all funding advice and arrangements are agreed upfront at the start of the case.
So what are you waiting for? You’re protected by law when making a claim and it is your human right to pursue a case where you want to. So give us a call on 0800 634 75 75 today.
