If you’ve suffered a manual handling injury at work, you might be blaming yourself, especially if no one ever showed you how to lift safely. But the truth is, manual handling training is a legal requirement. If your employer skipped that step, they might have put you at serious risk.

From warehouses and construction sites to care homes and supermarkets, many jobs involve lifting, carrying or moving heavy loads. But not every employer takes training seriously, especially when it comes to temporary, agency or part-time staff.

Manual handling injuries are among the most common workplace accidents in the UK. And if your injury was caused by poor training or a lack of training, you might be able to make a manual handling training injury claim. 

What are the laws around manual handling training?

UK law is clear. If your job involves lifting, your employer must give you proper training first. As a legal duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, it’s more than just best practice. These regulations say employers must:

  • Avoid hazardous manual handling where possible.
  • Assess the risks if lifting can’t be avoided.
  • Provide adequate training to reduce the risk of injury.

This applies to everyone, not just permanent staff. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, a temp or agency worker, you’re entitled to safe working conditions, including manual handling training.

If your employer didn’t assess the risks or train you properly before asking you to lift, they might have breached health and safety law. 

How can you be injured by lack of training?

Without proper training, even everyday tasks like lifting boxes or moving equipment can cause serious injuries. When you’re not shown how to lift safely, it’s easy to use the wrong technique, lift too much or repeat harmful movements over time. Common injuries from poor manual handling training include:

Some injuries happen suddenly, such as pulling your back when lifting a heavy load. Others build up slowly through repeated strain, especially when you’re rushing or working long shifts without support.

If you’ve experienced an injury due to lack of training in the UK, you’re not to blame and you may be able to make a claim.

What evidence is needed for a successful case?

If you’re thinking about making a manual handling training injury claim, you might be wondering how to prove what happened, especially if you were never given any training at all. Helpful evidence includes:

  • No record of manual handling training or induction.
  • Witness statements from colleagues who also weren’t trained.
  • Accident reports or medical records linking the injury to lifting.
  • Your own account of what happened and how you were injured.

Don’t worry if you don’t have paperwork, many people don’t. A missing training record can actually support your case and our team can help gather the right evidence.

We know how to investigate employer negligence and build a strong training negligence claim, even if things were never written down.

How to claim compensation for an HSE lifting training failure

If you were injured because your employer failed to follow HSE guidance on lifting training, you might be entitled to claim compensation and we’re here to help you every step of the way. When you contact us, we’ll:

  • Listen to what happened and how you were injured
  • Assess whether your employer may have breached their duties
  • Explain your options clearly, without pressure or jargon

We understand that claiming against an employer can feel daunting, especially if you still work there or are worried about the impact. But if your employer didn’t train you to lift safely, you have rights and we’ll fight to make sure they’re respected.

What is no win, no fee?

At Express Solicitors, most manual handling injury claims are made on a no win, no fee basis. That means:

  • You don’t pay anything upfront
  • You only pay if your claim succeeds
  • There’s no financial risk to starting your claim

We’ll explain all the terms clearly before you agree to anything. If your case wins, your legal fees will usually be taken from your compensation. And if it doesn’t, you won’t owe us a penny.

This approach helps you get the support you need without worrying about costs. It’s all part of our commitment to making expert legal help accessible to everyone.

Start your claim today

We know this might be your first time speaking to a solicitor, but we’re here to make it simple. We’ll listen, ask a few questions about your injury and your job and explain your options.

There’s no cost to speak to us and no pressure to move forward. Just honest, expert advice from people who understand what you’re going through.

Contact our team today. We’re ready to help you make a manual handling training injury claim when you are.

Frequently asked questions

Is manual handling training a legal requirement?

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must provide training if your role involves lifting, carrying or moving loads.

Can I claim if my training was not up to date?

If no manual handling training at work or outdated training led to your injury, your employer might still be held responsible, especially if they failed to refresh training regularly.

Can I still claim as a temp or agency worker?

Employers must provide proper training to all staff, including agency, temp and part-time workers, before asking them to do manual handling tasks.

Is lack of training considered employer negligence?

If your employer didn’t assess risks or train you properly and you were injured as a result, it can amount to legal negligence.