Manual Handling Injury Statistics
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Manual handling tasks are prevalent in numerous workplaces. Nonetheless, improper manual handling methods can result in injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, seriously affecting the health and welfare of employees. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that manual handling is responsible for approximately 20% of all workplace injuries within the UK. These injuries can range from musculoskeletal disorders to sprains, strains, and fractures, causing considerable discomfort and pain to employees.
The most frequent injuries resulting from poor manual handling at work are musculoskeletal disorders, encompassing injuries to the back, neck, shoulders, and upper limbs. Often, these types of injuries arise from lifting heavy items, repetitive movements, and awkward body postures. Such injuries can result in long-term health issues that considerably affect the employee's quality of life and work capacity.
The HSE also revealed that in the 2019-2020 period, there were 21,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases reported under RIDDOR regulations. These cases resulted in an average of 17 days of absence per employee, causing substantial repercussions for the business and the broader economy.