Firefighter Injured at Work by Lack of Manual Handling Safety

7th September 2007

When a firefighter suffered an injury at work due to carrying excessively heavy equipment, he appointed our specialist personal injury lawyers to assist him in making a compensation claim.

Manual Handling Injury

Whilst attending the scene of a fatal road accident, the claimant was required to move some heavy cutting equipment. He had to lift and carry this from the appliance alone, over a distance of around 50 metres, as the fire crew was short handed.

This would be a two person job under normal circumstances, as the heaviest item weighed 35kg. He sustained a personal injury to his neck, causing right-sided brachialgia (pain in his right arm).

Employer at Fault

The claimant’s employer admitted that they had not carried out a manual handling risk assessment prior to the incident. They also admitted that risk assessments carried out after the claimant’s injury concluded that the items should have been moved by two people.

The Judge found in favour of the claimant and he was awarded compensation in respect of his injuries and losses.

Accident at Work Compensation

If you or a member of your family has suffered a personal injury as the result of an accident at work, or any other accident caused by the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to claim damages.

Contact The Legal Line for sympathetic, cost free accident claim advice on 0800 0328511. Alternatively, complete an online claim enquiry form and we will contact you. Our lawyers are experts in all areas of personal injury and can provide specialist advice and assistance.

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