Lifting heavy objects has the potential to cause severe injury that can leave you suffering for weeks or even months after an incident. Even if an object is well within your capabilities to lift you should always apply correct lifting techniques to prevent injury. This should be covered by your employer in your health and safety training; if it wasn’t, you may have a claim for compensation if you end up injuring yourself.
Usually the correct lifting technique requires you to keep your back straight and use your legs (which have much stronger muscles than your lower back) to perform the lift. Always follow any training provided by your employer as it will help reduce the chances of suffering injury, and some of the training may be specific to your job and the types of objects you will be lifting.
Objects that are able to be lifted by a single person should be stored between mid thigh and mid chest height as this is where you will be able to lift things safely without placing excessive pressure on your back. Objects that are too heavy for a single person to lift should be lifted by two people simultaneously or lifted using fork trucks or similar lifting aids.
When lifting aids are available always make use of them – it helps to prevent injury, and allows almost all objects to be lifted safely. Lifting aids should be provided by your employer, if you’re required to lift heavy or awkwardly shaped objects. Your employer should have provided training on the use of any lifting aids you utilise. If lifting aids are available and you choose not to use them, it can have a significant impact on any claim you attempt to make.
The most common injuries associated with heavy lifting are back injuries – but this is not the only injuries that can occur. Strain on your hands, wrists and arms are also common injuries. The more severe the injury and the more it has affected your everyday life, the greater the compensation you could receive. You can claim for any loss of earnings, impacts on everyday life, and any medical and physiotherapy expenses. In fact, all our clients are entitled to private medical and physiotherapy care.
If you have had an accident at work due to heavy lifting then you can obtain some free legal advice by giving The Injury Lawyers a call.
