Lifting heavy objects is a task that’s common in all sorts of workplaces, from warehouse and factory settings to even regular office spaces. But without proper safety precautions in place, heavy lifting can lead to serious injuries. Strains, sprains and long-term pain are all risks that might come with improper lifting, and it’s down to your employer to make sure you’re trained to do it safely. But what is the maximum weight a person can lift at work?
In this helpful guide, we’ll break down the lifting limits, look at the injuries that come along with lifting, explain your employer’s duty of care and how much compensation you could receive with a relevant personal injury claim.
Is there a legal weight limit for lifting at work?
There isn’t an official maximum weight a person can lift at work in the UK. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides the following guidelines to reduce injury risks:
| Men | Up to 25kg at waist height |
| Women | Up to 16kg at waist height |
These recommended weight limits will vary based on the following factors:
- Height — Lifting above shoulder height or from the floor is riskier than lifting at waist level
- Object — The shape, size and weight distribution of the object you’re lifting will affect how safely it can be lifted
- Frequency — How often you lift will increase the likelihood of strain or injury
These guidelines are not legal limits but should be used to inform workplace safety. If your employer expects you to lift beyond these recommendations without proper training or equipment, they could be held liable for any lifting injuries.
How lifting heavy objects can cause serious injuries
If you’ve been unlucky enough to fall victim to a lifting accident, you could develop a:
- Back injury — This could be a strain, sprain or chronic pain.
- Spinal injury — This could be damage to the spinal discs.
- Neck injury — This could be strains or whiplash.
- Repetitive strain injury — This is when you gradually damage your muscles when you repeat a lift in an incorrect way
- Crush injury — This could be caused by dropping heavy items
If you’ve been injured in any of the ways above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Express Solicitors.
What should your employer do to protect you?
According to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, your employer legally has to take steps to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. This includes:
- Risk assessments — These should identify potential hazards and help implement safety measures.
- Training — This provides employees with proper manual handling techniques.
- Mechanical aids — Supplying trolleys, hoists and other lifting equipment reduces strain.
- Task rotation — This prevents workers from performing repetitive lifting tasks for long periods.
If your employer fails to take these precautions and you or another worker is injured as a result, they may be held legally responsible.
What to do after a workplace lifting injury
In order to protect your health and potential compensation claim, follow these steps if you believe there has been a lifting injury at your workplace:
- Always report the injury to your employer immediately, and make sure they report the incident in their incident book.
- Make your own notes about what occurred.
- Visit your GP or A&E to get a written assessment of your injuries.
- Ask any colleagues who saw the incident to give you a statement.
- Get in touch with Express Solicitors to begin a compensation claim.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you might receive depends on the severity of your injury, any financial losses incurred, and the long-term impact. For an estimate of what you could receive in general damages for the injury itself, use our helpful compensation calculator.
How Express Solicitors can help you claim compensation
At Express Solicitors, we specialise in workplace injury claims, including those involving manual handling and lifting. If your employer’s negligence has led to an injury, we can help.
What’s more, you won’t pay us a penny unless we successfully claim on your behalf thanks to our no-win, no-fee guarantee! So, get in touch with us today and we can kickstart your journey to justice. Call us on 0161 904 4661 or Start your claim online
Frequently asked questions
What if I lifted something heavier than the recommended guidelines?
Even if you lifted more than the recommended limit, you might still have a valid claim if your employer failed to provide proper training or equipment.
Can I claim compensation if my injury developed over time?
Many lifting injuries, like chronic back pain, develop over time. So, as long as the injury can be linked to your job, you could be entitled to compensation.
What if I’m partly to blame for the injury?
You may still be eligible for compensation under “contributory negligence,” where the compensation amount is adjusted based on shared responsibility.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You have three years from the date of injury or diagnosis to make a claim. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.