Heavy lifting can arise in many Irish workplaces and is a very common cause of injury suffered in the workplace and absence from days lost.  The mechanism involves any moving or lifting any load by an employee which includes putting down, pushing, pulling which involves risk to the employee and in particular to the employees’ back.

Why is lifting heavy loads risky?

The usual cause of injury to the back is as a result of soft tissue type injuries.  The soft tissues are the muscles, tendons and ligaments and when these are damaged they can cause significant pain.  Often the repetitive strain type motion of constantly lifting, bending, squatting, putting down etc. causes inflammation and finally a stress fracture which are small cracks in the vertebrae of the spine.  Sometimes a slipped or herniated disc can arise.  A disc acts as a shock absorber between the spinal vertebrae and the soft inner portion of the disc begins to press out impinging on one of the spinal nerves causing pain.  It is quite common for a slipped disc to be caused by lifting a heavy object.

It is important therefore that employers carry out proper risk assessments in the workplace, provide suitable training on manual handling and constantly review work practices to ensure that the workplace is safe. If you have suffered an injury to your back through lifting you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Our personal injury compensation claims solicitors

If you have suffered injury from heavy lifting in the workplace you may be able to make a claim for compensation. It is important you seek advice as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. We believe in putting you our client first and we are committed to achieving the best result possible while all the time remaining sensitive to your needs. Please feel free to reach out to us below and will be pleased to discuss your case and offer no obligation advice.

To contact one of our personal injury solicitors please call 0818 888 555 or WhatsApp/call 087 398 7386 or complete our online enquiry form