Manual handling injuries are the single most common cause of workplace absence in the UK. If you’ve been injured lifting, carrying or moving at work, your employer may be liable.
Take 2 minutes – No obligation – Strictly confidential
Regulated by the SRA
Expert Injury Lawyers
Thousands of Successful Claims
No Upfront Costs
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS
Manual handling: any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load, accounts for more than a third of all workplace injuries reported each year. Despite this, many employers continue to fall short of their legal obligations.
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), employers are required to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible, assess risks where it cannot be avoided, and take steps to reduce the risk of injury to their employees.
Where an employer has failed in these duties and you have suffered injury as a result, you are likely to have grounds for a compensation claim. At NJS Law, our specialist solicitors handle manual handling injury claims on a no win, no fee basis, so there is no financial risk to you.
Workers suffer manual handling injuries each year (HSE)
Of all workplace injuries involve manual handling or lifting
Working days lost annually to manual handling-related musculoskeletal conditions
Financial risk with our no win, no fee guarantee
Requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling, assess unavoidable tasks and take steps to reduce injury risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level.
Places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees in the workplace.
Requires employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments covering all activities that could foreseeably cause harm, including manual handling tasks.
TYPES OF INJURY
Manual handling injuries can range from acute trauma caused by a single incident to chronic conditions that develop gradually over time through repetitive strain.
The most prevalent manual handling injury, includes herniated discs, muscle tears, spinal fractures and chronic lower back pain caused by repeated heavy lifitng.
Overhead lifting, carrying asymmetric loads or repetitive arm movements can cause tears and strains to the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissue.
Lifting excessively heavy objects can cause abdominal or inguinal hernias, which may require surgical intervention and result in a lengthy recovery period.
Conditions such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive or forceful manual tasks over a prolonged period.
Kneeling, crouching and carrying heavy loads over time places significant strain on knee and hip joints, potentially leading to cartilage damage and arthritis.
Awkward postures during lifting or carrying can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck, causing both actue pain and longer-term conditions.
Dropping heavy loads or losing control of equipment during manual handling can result in crush injuries to hands, feet and lower limbs.
Chronic pain caused by a manual handling injury can lead to anxiety, depression and PTSD – all of which are recognised in personal injury compensation claims.
YOUR EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Your employer may be liable for your manual handling injury if they failed to meet any of the following legal obligations. You do not need to prove they acted deliberately – negligence is enough.
Employers must assess all manual handling tasks that present a risk of injury. Failing to do so, or doing so inadequately, is a breach of duty.
Employees must be trained in safe lifting and handling techniques before undertaking manual handling tasks. Lack of training is a common and significant failing.
There is no single legal weight limit in the UK, but employers must ensure loads are not unreasonably heavy and that individual workers’ capacity is considered.
Where mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists or conveyors are available and appropriate, employers should provide and maintain them.
Congested or poorly designed workspace that force workers into awkard postures during manual handling tasks can constitute negligence.
HOW IT WORKS
We assess the merits of your claim, explain your options and answer your questions, free of charge and with no obligation to proceed.
We obtain accident reports, training records, risk assessmets and medical evidence to build the strongest possible case.
We formally notify your employer’s insurer, setting out the basis of liability and the full extent of your losses.
Most claims settle out of court. If litigation is needed, we represent you fully through every stage of the process.
| Injury Type | Severity | Typical Award Range |
|---|---|---|
| Back Injury | Minor soft tissue | £2,300 – £12,510 |
| Back Injury | Moderate disc/nerve damage | £12,510 – £38,780 |
| Back Injury | Severe/permanent disability | £38,780 – £160,980 |
| Knee Injury | Minor (full recovery) | £1,770 – £13,740 |
| Knee Injury | Moderate, ongoing symptoms | £14,840 – £26,190 |
| Shoulder Injury | Minor soft tissue | £2,990 – £7,890 |
| Shoulder Injury | Serious/rotator cuff damage | £12,770 – £48,030 |
| Hand/Finger Amputation | Single finger | £14,430 – £54,830 |
| Industrial Deafness | Moderate hearing loss | £14,900 – £29,710 |
| Psychological Injury | Moderate PTSD/anxiety | £5,860 – £19,070 |
Figures are based on the Judicial College Guidelines (2024) and are for general guidance only. Financial losses (lost wages, medical expenses, care costs) are calculated separately and can significantly increase total awards. Contact NJS Law for an assessment specific to your injury.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Yes. Gradual onset injuries, sometimes called cumulative or chronic injuries, are entirely claimable. In these cases, the three-year limitation period typically runs fromthe date of your medical diagnosis linking your condition to your work, rather than from a specific incident date. Our solicitors can advise on the exact time limits in your situation.
Quite possibly. An employer cannot simply blame an employee for poor technique if they failed to provide adequate training in the first place. Even if you contributed to the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Your award may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility under the principle of contributory negligence, but it will not be extinguished entirely.
Yes, although it can make things more challenging. A failure to report is not a bar to claiming. Your solicitor can seek to obtain other evidence such as medical records, witness statements and risk assessment documents, to support your case. We recommend reporting any injury to your employer as soon as possible and seeking medical attention to create a contemporaneous record.
There is no single legal weight limit for manual handling in the UK – the law requires employers to assess tasks individually and reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. A load that is manageable for one person may not be for another depending on their physique, health and experience. We can obtain expert evidence to demonstarte that the task presented an unreasonable risk.
A Conditional Fee Agreement (no win, no fee) means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing to NJS Law. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is charged, capped by law. We’ll explain all costs fully and clearly before you commit to anything.
Don’t wait — the 3-year time limit can run out faster than you think. Get your free assessment today.
Stay informed with practical advice and in-depth guides on workplace injury claims. From understanding liability for slips, trips, and falls to learning how compensation is calculated, our resources are designed to give you clarity and confidence.
Browse the latest articles to see what factors affect compensation. These insights can help you understand your rights and what to expect when making a claim.
Our accident at work solicitors combine decades of experience with a client-first approach. We know how difficult this time can be — and we’ll stand by your side throughout your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about real accident at work claims and how compensation is secured. Our latest case studies and legal insights show how different workplace injuries are handled, the challenges clients face, and the outcomes our solicitors achieve.
From slips, trips, and lifting injuries to serious industrial accidents, these stories highlight the importance of expert legal support in securing fair compensation.
Browse the latest accident at work resources below:
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, every employer in the United Kingdom has a general duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees. More specific duties are set out in regulations including the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
When an employer breaches these duties — through inadequate training, lack of safety equipment, poor risk assessments, defective machinery, or simple indifference to employee welfare — and an employee suffers injury as a direct result, that employee has a legal right to pursue a compensation claim. You can learn more about your rights after a workplace accident in our guide on legal rights following a workplace accident in the UK.
NJS Law’s accident at work solicitors in Manchester are experts in identifying employer negligence and building strong cases under both common law and statute. If you have been injured at work, contact us today to discuss your rights in a free, confidential consultation.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
Leanne studied the Bar Vocational Course at the BPP Law School in Leeds, and graduated with Very Competent, before cross-qualifying as a Solicitor in 2013.
Leanne began her legal career in 2009, specialising in Personal Injury claims, with experience across Road Traffic Accidents, Employer and Public Liability cases, and Medical Negligence matters.
As Head of Personal Injury, Leanne is instrumental in driving the growth and evolution of the Employer and Public Liability team, along with the Medical, Dental, and Cosmetic Negligence departments.
In her personal life Leanne enjoys holidaying and days out with her young family.
Angela is a Senior Personal Injury Solicitor Advocate having qualified in January 2011.
She specialises in employer liability, public liability and occupiers liability claims, with the ultimate aim of providing an efficient service, ensuring her clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve!
She is thrilled to be a part of NJS Law and to be working for a well-respected firm that always puts clients first.
Angela strives to develop a strong relationship with her clients so that she is in a position to advise the best options in relation to their claim. At all times providing exceptional standards of service and regular updates on how her clients claim is progressing. Angela is very easy going and dedicated to her work.
When not working, Angela looks after her pygmy goats, pigs, rescued chickens and ducks.
Andrew started his career in the insurance sector over 25 years ago and has worked in many different areas of the industry, gaining a wealth of knowledge across multiple disciplines including motor claims, personal injury, medical negligence, and public and employer’s liability matters.
He holds a Law Degree, which complements his extensive practical experience and underpins his broad legal expertise.
He is friendly, adaptable, and hard-working, and will always go the extra mile for both clients and colleagues alike.
A dedicated family man, Andrew enjoys spending his spare time watching football and rugby, and can still be persuaded to play the occasional 5-a-side game.
Joanne has worked in law since leaving School.
Joanne is a Senior Litigation Executive with over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of RTA litigation and also has diversified and now also deals with employers liability claims, occupiers liability claims and public liability matters.
In her spare time she enjoys making memories with her family and friends.
Mark completed his studies through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and was admitted as a Fellow of CILEX in 2006.
Mark has worked within the personal injury sector for over 30 years, dealing with a varied range of personal injury matters from inception to trial.
Mark deals with Employment and Public Liability personal injury matters.
In his spare time, Mark is an FA Licensed coach working with children at grass roots level. He enjoys listening to music and walking his Labrador.
Curtis has over 10 years’ experience acting for Claimants across a wide range of personal injury matters. He holds a Law degree and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEX), reflecting his high level of expertise and commitment to the legal profession.
He is knowledgeable, hard-working and a skilled negotiator who consistently fights to achieve the best possible results for his clients, whether that is securing a strong settlement or arranging early rehabilitation and treatment to support clients on their road to recovery.
Curtis has handled a wide variety of claims throughout his career, ranging from head injuries to loss of limbs, and is adept at identifying and meeting each client’s individual needs.
In his free time, Curtis enjoys spending time with his family and has a keen interest in tabletop gaming, including Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering.
Nicole has worked in the legal sector since leaving school. She began her career as assistant Personal Injury and Medical Negligence assistant.
Nicole has since progressed into her current role as a Litigation Executive here at NJS Law, where she now manages her own caseload of public liability, occupiers’ liability, and employers’ liability claims. Alongside her full-time role, she is also studying towards a law degree part-time, continuing to build on her legal knowledge and expertise.
In her spare time, when she isn’t studying, Nicole loves to go on holiday and spend time with her springer spaniel.
Sian started her career in law over 17 years ago and has worked in various different areas of the industry, including costs and credit hire. Predominantly, her career has flourished within the personal injury sector, dealing with a wide variety of claims such as road traffic accidents, employer’s liability, public liability and occupiers’ liability.
She has successfully completed her Level 6 CILEX qualification and is an MCILEX Advanced Paralegal, demonstrating her strong technical knowledge and commitment to professional development.
She always strives to provide her clients with the best service possible and thrives on achieving the best achievable outcome in relation to their claims. She prides herself on being warm, sympathetic and understanding when dealing with clients, particularly when having conduct of more sensitive matters.
Sian is friendly and hard-working and is not averse to going above and beyond what is required in order to achieve desired results.
She is a devoted family lady and thoroughly enjoys spending days out with her family and coming up with new and fresh adventures for them to embark upon.
Sian also likes to get involved in charitable causes, enjoys reading and, whilst she does not always have the time, enjoys her pastime of horse riding as and when she can.
