There are many places of work where manual handling is a big part of the role, despite the job not being classed primarily as a manual handling orientated career. The truth is that any workplace is subject to The Manual Handling Operations Regulations because lifting can occur in all sorts of workplaces, from offices, to warehouses.
So what about lifting and pushing / pulling in a garage?
A garage is of course covered by the regulations and there are many instances where you may find yourself lifting heavy objects and equipment in the workplace. Tyres, large jacks, car body parts, etc are all commonly lifted and carried in a garage environment. Not only is a lot of lifting involved but so is a lot of pushing and pulling. Using a wrench on a wheel may involve a fair deal of back strength and elbow grease, as does moving a crane that is holding an engine.
Ultimately the regulations mean that your employer must prevent any and all manual handling where possible. Where it cannot be avoided, your employer is legally bound to:
- Risk assess all manual handling activities to identify and reduce the dangers involved
- Train any staff taking part in manual handling activities
- Always ensure there are enough staff involved in a task
- Provide equipment where necessary to assist in the task
The above are the common ones, and simply put, failing to do any or all of the above can leave your employer liable to compensate you in the event you are injured in an accident.
Excessive lifting is also in important factor as well. The volume of lifting and carrying, or pushing and pulling, must not be excessive as to risk causing a repetitive strain injury. In these circumstances your employer can again be liable as well.
So if you are injured in a garage as an employee when your employer has failed to adhere to these all important rules and regulations, you may have a winning claim for personal injury compensation.
Your employer should be insured for these eventualities so all we need to do is submit a claim form (normally electronically) directly to the right insurers. They then have a period of time to investigate a claim and return to us with a decision as to whether they believe they are liable to compensate you or not.
The basic principle is this – if your employer has breached the regulations and this has caused your injury, they ought to accept liability for it.
Manual handling injuries can be painful and debilitating, and can often last a considerable length of time. You can claim for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused, as well as any associated losses and expenses caused too. For free advice, call our claims helpline on 0800 634 7575 today.
