Manual work is the backbone of many UK industries and can involve anything from stacking pallets in a warehouse, moving equipment on a construction site, or handling deliveries in a bustling high street shop. But it does come with physical risk. Injuries from lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling are common, yet few workers fully understand the protections they’re entitled to under UK law. Here’s a quick guide to your legal rights, your employer’s responsibilities, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Understanding manual handling and its dangers
Many people think that manual handling is just about lifting heavy boxes, but it’s much more than that. Manual handling covers any activity that involves moving a load by hand or bodily force. For example, you could be unloading delivery