Manual Handling Injury Claims Ireland
Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling, are part of many jobs, but they can lead to serious injuries if not performed safely.
If you have suffered a manual handling injury at work due to inadequate training, unsafe working conditions, or employer negligence, contact Cantillons Solicitors as you may be entitled to make a Manual Handling Claim. Call us in Cork +353 (0)21 4275673 or in Dublin +353 (0)1 264 1802 or email us at info@cantillons.com for more information.
At Cantillons Solicitors, we specialise in supporting individuals making successful Manual Handling Injury Claims. The Team at Cantillons Solicitors understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a manual handling injury can have, and we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are Manual Handling Claims?
Manual Handling Injury Claims are a form of Personal Injury Compensation Claim involving individuals who have suffered Personal Injuries while performing tasks at work such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling at work. For example, a Nurse suffering an injury moving a patient, or a Delivery Driver suffering an injury as a result of having to unload excessive stock on his own.
Who Can Make A Manual Handling Claim?
Anyone who suffers manual handling injuries at work due to negligence or unsafe conditions may be eligible to claim compensation.
Whether you work in a warehouse, healthcare, construction, or any other industry, you could have grounds to make a Manual Handling Claim if your employer failed to meet their legal responsibilities to protect you.
Temporary and part-time workers are also entitled to claim compensation and have the benefit of the same protections as full-time employees.
Common Causes of Manual Handling Accidents
Common causes of Manual Handling Accidents include:
- Inadequate Training
In Ireland, employees should receive Manual Handling Training relevant to their job, the activities involved in that job and the environment that they work in. Training should involve demonstrating to the employee the safe lifting techniques to be used when lifting.
Manual Handling Training aims to lower the risk of an employee experiencing a manual handling injury by furnishing them with the proper knowledge and skills.
- Lack of Proper Equipment
A lack of proper equipment can make manual handling tasks much more difficult and dangerous. For example, without tools like trolleys, hoists, or lifting straps, workers may have to lift or carry heavy loads without support, putting excessive strain on their bodies. This can lead to injuries such as sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries to the neck, back or shoulders or even long-term damage like herniated discs.
- Failure to Assess Risks
Without a proper risk assessment, workers might be exposed to personal injuries. Examples of how failures to assess risks include if an employer fails to:
- evaluate the weight of a load;
- the distance a load needs to be moved;
- the worker’s ability to handle it safely.
- Unsafe Work Environments
Cluttered workspaces, uneven floors, or slippery surfaces can cause workers to trip, slip, or lose their balance while lifting or carrying items. Poor lighting or cramped spaces can also make it harder to see hazards or move safely.
If an employer fails to maintain a safe workplace or address risks that lead to an injury, it may result in a Personal Injury Compensation Claim.
Common Injuries Caused by Poor Manual Handling
Poor manual handling practices can lead to a range of injuries, often affecting muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues.
Some of the most common injuries caused by poor manual handling include:
- Back Injuries: Strains, sprains, or herniated discs caused by lifting heavy or awkward loads.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Damage from performing repetitive tasks without adequate breaks or proper technique training.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Injuries to muscles or ligaments from sudden movements or overexertion.
- Neck Injury: Strains or even herniated discs caused by lifting heavy or awkward loads.
- Shoulder Injuries: Injuries to ligaments in and around the shoulder.
Employers’ Obligations and Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from the risks associated with manual handling tasks. The duty includes:
- Providing Proper Training
Employees must receive adequate training to handle tasks safely, including techniques to lift, carry, push, or pull items without causing injury.
- Supplying Suitable Equipment
Employers should provide tools such as hoists, trolleys, or lifting aids to reduce the physical strain on workers.
- Conducting Risk Assessments
Employers are required to evaluate tasks to identify potential hazards, such as heavy loads, awkward movements, or unsafe environments, and implement measures to mitigate these risks.
Stages of a Manual Handling Claim In Ireland
If you have suffered a manual handling injury at work, the claims process typically begins with a consultation with a Personal Injury Solicitors, such as Cantillons Solicitors. During this consultation, our experienced Solicitors will review the details of your case, assess its merits, and provide clear guidance on the best course of action.
Once you decide to proceed, the stages will be as follows:
- Gathering Evidence
Your Solicitor will collect necessary evidence, such as medical reports, workplace accident records, witness statements, and any photographs or videos that support your claim.
- Submitting the Claim
The claim will be registered with the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) (formally the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)), Ireland’s independent body for assessing Personal Injury Claims. IRB will evaluate the case and determine a compensation amount if the employer’s insurer agrees to their involvement. In some cases the employer, their Insurer or IRB may decline to have the cases assessed. If that occurs, IRB will issue an Authorisation permitting the issue of Court Proceedings.
- Negotiations with Insurers
If the IRB process is bypassed or rejected, your solicitor may engage with the employer’s insurers to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Settlement, Mediation or Court Proceedings
Many claims are resolved through settlement negotiations or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to Court. Your Solicitor will represent you to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome.
Throughout each Manual Handling Accident Claim process, Cantillons Solicitors manages every detail to minimise stress and maximise your chances of success.
Contact Cantillons Solicitors
Cantillons Solicitors have launched many proceedings for employees who have suffered manual handling injuries as a result of employer negligence and helped workers through the Manual Handling Claim’s process.
If you are planning to claim compensation for manual handling injuries, Cantillons Solicitors can help. Call us at Cork +353 (0)21 425673 or Dublin +353 (0)1 264 1802 or email us at info@cantillons.com for more information.
Our offices are located at 39 South Mall, Cork and 31-36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin. We do, however, represent clients from all over Ireland. Should you be unable to attend our offices, we are more than happy to travel to you or conduct the meeting on Zoom.
* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. You might come across Personal Injury Solicitors portraying themselves as ‘no win no fee’ Solicitors. These terms can be misleading and you must discuss fees with the Personal Injury Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we pride ourselves on being entirely transparent about our processes and fees.
