Introduction
Manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling are common in many workplaces. Without proper training, equipment or safe systems of work, employees risk musculoskeletal injuries that may require weeks off work or even lead to long-term disability. If your injury was caused by unsafe manual handling practices or employer failings, you may be entitled to compensation.
This page explains common manual handling injuries, employer responsibilities, evidence that helps, and how much compensation you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 106,000 workers were injured while handling, lifting or carrying between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 336 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Manual handling accidents often cause back injuries, sprains, hernias and repetitive strain injuries.
- Employers must comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and provide training.
- Compensation can include pain, suffering, lost earnings, medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- You normally have three years from the date of the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Report your injury and record the load, weight or estimate, route and help available. Note training given and whether trolleys or lifts were provided. Keep treatment and time off notes.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a manual handling injury?
A manual handling injury occurs when a worker is harmed by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling loads at work. These injuries are among the most common causes of time off work. Common manual handling injuries include:
- Back injuries – slipped discs, muscle strains or chronic back pain.
- Shoulder injuries – rotator cuff tears or ligament damage from awkward lifting.
- Hernias – caused by excessive lifting or strain.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) – from repeated lifting or twisting movements.
- Knee and ankle injuries – from slips or falls while carrying loads.
Examples of manual handling injuries
| Injury type | Cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Slipped disc | Lifting heavy boxes without training | Severe back pain, time off work, physiotherapy |
| Shoulder tear | Reaching or twisting while lifting | Loss of strength, surgery required |
| Hernia | Overexertion during lifting | Pain, surgery, weeks off work |
| Repetitive strain injury | Frequent lifting of small loads | Ongoing pain, reduced mobility |
| Knee injury | Carrying heavy load on stairs | Ligament damage, mobility issues |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your manual handling injury occurred at work within the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide training, mechanical aids, PPE, or safe systems of work, and
- Medical evidence links your injury to the work activity.
If unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a manual handling injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. They must:
- Avoid hazardous manual handling where possible.
- Assess risks and reduce them with equipment or task redesign.
- Provide training on safe lifting techniques.
- Ensure adequate staffing and supervision.
- Provide mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists or pallet trucks.
If these duties are ignored, the employer may be liable. See also Health and safety breach injury claims.
Employment status and manual handling injury claims
A claim is typically possible whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a manual handling claim
- Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment.
- Accident book entries or occupational health records.
- Risk assessments and training records.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
- Records of equipment provided (or lack of mechanical aids).
Time limits for manual handling claims
The standard time limit is three years from the accident date or from when you realised your injury was caused by work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 or lacked capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I already had a back condition?
Yes. If work aggravated a pre-existing condition, you may still claim. See claims for pre-existing conditions.
Do I need to have taken time off work?
No. Even if you continued working, you may still be able to claim for pain and financial losses. See claims without time off.
Will I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injury and provide a prognosis. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Manual handling at work - provides comprehensive guidance on safe manual handling practices to prevent workplace injuries.
- HSE: Musculoskeletal disorders - offers advice on managing risks associated with musculoskeletal injuries caused by manual handling tasks.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 - outlines legal requirements for employers to assess and reduce risks related to manual handling.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries caused by manual handling accidents at work.