Accident Claims Advice
Phone Icon0800 6524 881
Mobile Icon0333 000 7777
Mon – Sun: 24 hours.

Request Callback

Menu
  • Type of Accident
    • Accidents At Work

      • Accident At Work Claims
      • Agency Workers Claims
      • Electrician Accident Claims
      • Factory Accident Claims
      • Fall At Work Claims
      • Farm Accident Claims
      • Forklift Truck Accidents
      • Office Accident Claims
      • Slip At Work Claims
      • Warehouse Accidents
    • Road Traffic Accidents

      • Bus Accident Claims
      • Car Accident Claims & Injury Compensation Amounts
      • Bicycle Accident Claims
      • Driving Lesson Accident
      • Emergency Vehicles
      • HGV\Lorry Accident Claims
      • Hit & Run Accident Claims
      • Motorbike Accident Claims
      • Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Claims
      • Whiplash Claims
    • Medical Claims

      • Anaesthetic Negligence Claims
      • Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis
      • Cosmetic Dentistry Negligence
      • Cosmetic Surgery Negligence
      • Dental Negligence Claims
      • Laser Eye Surgery Claims
      • Lung Cancer Claims
      • Medical Misdiagnosis Claims
      • MRSA Compensation Claims
      • Scaphoid Injury Misdiagnosis
    • Other Claims

      • Allergic Reactions
      • Criminal Injury Claims
      • Facial Scar Claims
      • Holiday Accident Claims
      • Hotel Accident Claims
      • Needlestick Injury Claims
      • Slips, Trips and Falls
      • Sports Injury Claims
      • Manhole / Drain Cover Claims
      • All Claims
    • Close
  • Type of Injury
    • Life Altering Injuries

      • Amputation Claims
      • Asbestos Claims
      • Brain Injury Claims
      • Burn Injury Claims
      • Catastrophic Injury Claims
      • Electric Shock Claims
      • Fatal Accident Claims
      • Mesothelioma Claims
      • Scarring Claims
      • Spinal Injury Claims
    • Work Injuries

      • Back Injury At Work
      • Building Site Injury
      • Bursitis Compensation Claims
      • Emphysema Claims
      • HAVS Compensation Claims
      • Manual Handling Claims
      • Industrial Deafness Claims
      • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
      • Tinnitus Compensation Claims
      • Vibration White Finger (VWF)
    • Body Injuries

      • Ankle Injury Claims
      • Arm Injury Claims
      • Elbow Injury Claims
      • Eye Injury Claims
      • Hand Injury Claims
      • Hernia Injury Claims
      • Hip Injury Claims
      • Knee Injury Claims
      • Leg Injury Claims
      • Shoulder Injury Claim
    • Other Injury Types

      • Child Injury Claims
      • Chronic Pain Claims
      • Concussion Injury Claims
      • Food Poisoning Claims
      • Football Injury Claims
      • Nursery School Injury
      • Keyhole Surgery Claims
      • PTSD Compensation Claims
      • Rugby Injury Claims
      • Thoracic Surgery Claims
    • Close
  • No Win No Fee
    • Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) Explained
    • Close
  • FAQ’s
      • Accident At Work Procedure
      • Calculating A Personal Injury Compensation Claim
      • Can I Claim For Loss Of Earnings?
      • Difference Between General And Special Damages
      • Do You Need A Personal Injury Solicitor?
      • How To Prove Causation
      • How To Raise A Personal Injury Claim
      • How To Request CCTV Footage
      • How To Sue The Council For Negligence
      • I Had An Accident At Work What Are My Rights?
      • Pavement Trip Hazard Height
      • Personal Injury Compensation Calculator
      • What Key Factors Affect Compensation?
      • What Is A Litigation Friend?
      • What Is A Success Fee?
      • All FAQ’s
    • Close
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Reviews
Call Back Form

Please fill out the form and we’ll call you back.

    Details submitted are only used to deal with your request.

    How To Prevent Back Injuries From Lifting At Work

    January 22, 2017 by admin 2 comments

    Last updated on November 12th, 2021

    Back injury at work is one of the leading causes of absenteeism in the workplace. In the majority of cases, these injuries are caused due to incorrect execution of job-related tasks such as lifting or handling heavy objects.

    If your job involves a lot of heavy lifting or handling of heavy objects, whether regularly or occasionally, you could be at higher risk for back injury.

    By law, employers are required to ensure that all of their employees receive extensive training in using correct techniques to prevent back injury. They are also required to provide the proper equipment and protective gear to assist with the work and minimise the likelihood of injury. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.

    The best thing you can do to protect your back in the workplace is to educate yourself on proper ways to handle various tasks and prevent a back injury form occurring. These safe lifting and handling tips will help.

    Plan The Lift

    Spending a few minutes thinking about the procedure will help you to carry out the procedure more fluidly and more efficiently. Take into consideration the weight of the object to be lifted as well as where you need to lift it from and where you need to place it.

    Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Are you wearing appropriate clothing or have the correct equipment required? These could be items such as gloves to aid grip or an industrial back belt to help prevent injury? Are there proper handles or handholds that will allow you to grip the object firmly?

    Maintain Correct Posture And A Stable Position

    Incorrect posture while lifting is the main cause of back injury. There are several little things that go into maintaining the correct posture for lifting.

    First, get as close as possible to the object that needs to be lifted. Standing right next to the load puts less strain on your back as you lift.

    Secondly, avoid looking down at the object while you are lifting. Once you have got a firm grasp on the item you need to lift, lift your head, look straight ahead and then proceed to lift it while getting to the standing position.

    Adopting a stable position before lifting is important as it helps you to maintain your balance. This involves keeping your feet apart with one foot slightly behind the other. Never keep your feet together as it gives your body the least stability and you could lose your balance while lifting.

    Continue to breathe freely while lifting. For most people the instinctive reaction is to hold their breath while lifting. Be aware of your breathing pattern while lifting. Never hold your breath as this could raise your blood pressure and lead to other serious injuries.

    Bend At The Knees

    Most people automatically bend their backs when they have to pick an item up from the floor. While this may not cause any injury if you are picking a small, lightweight object, it is almost certain to strain and injure your back. If you have any pre-existing back condition, bending and lifting with your back will worsen the pain. Never stoop or bend your back when lifting. The structure of the backbone is such that it can get injured with repetitive bending and twisting.

    The correct way to lift something off the floor is to bend at the knees. This is even more important when bending to pick up a heavy object. Get as close as you can to the object, then bend your knees and squat in front of it and looking forward, get into the upright position using your knees.

    If you have to turn around and go in the opposite direction to which you are facing, turn your whole body with your feet. Do not twist and turn your back or lean sideways while carrying a heavy load.

    Keep Your Movements Smooth And Deliberate

    Another mistake many people make when lifting is swooping down, picking up the object and straightening upright in one quick, sudden movement. Lifting a heavy load using this technique increases the risk of injury.

    To protect your back and prevent injury, pick up the object carefully, grip tightly and stand back upright slowly and smoothly without making any sudden jerking movements. A slow and steady pace is the best way to proceed when handling any heavy object.

    Focus on gripping the object tightly to prevent it from slipping.

    Reverse the movements when putting the object down.

    Know Your Limits

    Knowing your limits is so very important. There’s absolutely no need to be heroic and pick up any load that is beyond your capacity. It doesn’t matter that your other colleagues can lift those heavy loads without breaking a sweat. If you cannot manage the load by yourself, get help, whether it is an assistive device or another pair of hands.

    What To Do If You Suffer A Back Injury In The Workplace

    Despite taking all possible precautions, you could still suffer a back injury in the workplace. If this happens it is important to follow a few procedures to ensure that you do not exacerbate the injury and also to protect your right to claim back injury compensation.

    • Keeping movement to the minimum is crucial after a back injury. Without the proper diagnostic tests, it is impossible to determine the location or extent of the injury and any movement could make the injury worse.
    • Call an ambulance immediately and get your injury attended to by a qualified medical professional. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, place an ice pack over the injured area. An ice pack can ease the pain as well as any inflammation.
    • If possible, get photographs of the scene and of the load you were working with. Also get an incident report filed in the log book, which should be in the HR office or in your supervisor’s office.
    • Make a note of the other workers who witnessed the scene so they can corroborate your claim if you decide to go ahead and claim compensation for your back injury.

    For more detailed advice on claiming compensation for a back injury at work please read this page.

    Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: back injury

    2 comments… add one
    1. Adrian Osian

      October 5, 2021, 5:11 pm

      I look forward to be contacted to discuss about my back injuries.

      My phone number is: **** *** ****

      Thank you

      Reply
      1. admin

        October 5, 2021, 5:51 pm

        Hello Adrian,

        Please contact us by using one of the forms, the live chat, or by phone on 0800 6524 881 if you would like to discuss your back injuries with a claims advisor/solicitor.

        I have removed your phone number from the comment before being published to protect your privacy.

        Kind regards.

        Reply
    Cancel reply

    Leave a Comment

    Search Advice

    Random Posts

    Safety First

    10 Safety Tips To Help Minimise Risk Of Injury At Work

    July 29, 2019 11:36 am

    Last updated on November 15th, 2021Employers have a legal duty... Read more →

    Please Drive Safely

    10 Tips To Stay Safe While Driving

    December 17, 2019 2:39 pm

    Last updated on November 11th, 2021With the winter season upon... Read more →

    Dangerous Work

    Common Causes Of Injuries At Work

    September 18, 2017 10:29 am

    Last updated on November 13th, 2021The law clearly states that... Read more →

    Contact us –

    Call – 0800 6524 881
    Mobiles – 0333 000 7777
    Mon – Sun: 24 hours

    Email – admin@accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk

    Head office details

    Champion European Suites,
    6 Arrowe Brook Rd,
    Birkenhead,
    Wirral,
    Cheshire,
    CH49 0AB.

    Useful Pages

    Home
    Contact Us
    Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer
    Complaints Procedure

    Search Accident Claims Advice

    AccidentClaimsAdvice.org.uk is operated by JF Law Limited. JF Law Limited is a law firm and limited company authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA No: 619586. VAT Number: 210539444.


    © 2022 www.accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Home
    • All Claims
    • Type of Accident
      ▼
      • Accidents At Work
        ▼
        • Accident At Work Claims
        • Agency Workers Claims
        • Electrician Accident Claims
        • Factory Accident Claims
        • Fall At Work Claims
        • Farm Accident Claims
        • Forklift Truck Accidents
        • Office Accident Claims
        • Slip At Work Claims
        • Warehouse Accidents
      • Road Traffic Accidents
        ▼
        • Bus Accident Claims
        • Car Accident Claims & Injury Compensation Amounts
        • Bicycle Accident Claims
        • Driving Lesson Accident
        • Emergency Vehicles
        • HGV\Lorry Accident Claims
        • Hit & Run Accident Claims
        • Motorbike Accident Claims
        • Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Claims
        • Whiplash Claims
      • Medical Claims
        ▼
        • Anaesthetic Negligence Claims
        • Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis
        • Cosmetic Dentistry Negligence
        • Cosmetic Surgery Negligence
        • Dental Negligence Claims
        • Laser Eye Surgery Claims
        • Lung Cancer Claims
        • Medical Misdiagnosis Claims
        • MRSA Compensation Claims
        • Scaphoid Injury Misdiagnosis
      • Other Claims
        ▼
        • Allergic Reactions
        • Criminal Injury Claims
        • Facial Scar Claims
        • Holiday Accident Claims
        • Hotel Accident Claims
        • Needlestick Injury Claims
        • Slips, Trips and Falls
        • Sports Injury Claims
        • Manhole / Drain Cover Claims
    • Type of Injury
      ▼
      • Life Altering Injuries
        ▼
        • Amputation Claims
        • Asbestos Claims
        • Brain Injury Claims
        • Burn Injury Claims
        • Catastrophic Injury Claims
        • Electric Shock Claims
        • Fatal Accident Claims Guide
        • Mesothelioma Claims
        • Scarring Claims
        • Spinal Injury Claims
      • Work Injuries
        ▼
        • Back Injury At Work
        • Building Site Injury
        • Bursitis Compensation Claims
        • Emphysema Claims
        • HAVS Compensation Claims
        • Manual Handling Claims
        • Industrial Deafness Claims
        • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
        • Tinnitus Compensation Claims
        • Vibration White Finger (VWF)
      • Body Injuries
        ▼
        • Ankle Injury Claims
        • Arm Injury Claims
        • Elbow Injury Claims
        • Eye Injury Claims
        • Hand Injury Claims
        • Hernia Injury Claims
        • Hip Injury Claims
        • Knee Injury Claims
        • Leg Injury Claims
        • Shoulder Injury Claim
      • Other Injury Types
        ▼
        • Child Injury Claims
        • Chronic Pain Claims
        • Concussion Injury Claims
        • Food Poisoning Claims
        • Football Injury Claims
        • Nursery School Injury
        • Keyhole Surgery Claims
        • PTSD Compensation Claims
        • Rugby Injury Claims
        • Thoracic Surgery Claims
    • No Win No Fee
      ▼
      • Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) Explained
    • FAQ’s
      ▼
      • Accident At Work Procedure
      • Calculating A Personal Injury Compensation Claim
      • Can I Claim For Loss Of Earnings?
      • Difference Between General And Special Damages
      • Do You Need A Personal Injury Solicitor?
      • How To Prove Causation
      • How To Raise A Personal Injury Claim
      • How To Request CCTV Footage
      • How To Sue The Council For Negligence
      • I Had An Accident At Work What Are My Rights?
      • Pavement Trip Hazard Height
      • Personal Injury Compensation Calculator
      • What Key Factors Affect Compensation?
      • What Is A Litigation Friend?
      • What Is A Success Fee In Personal Injury Cases?
      • All FAQ’s
    • Blog
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Reviews