Care Home Manual Handling Accidents In Scotland – Am I at Risk?

For the majority of Care Home staff in Scotland, handling and moving patients and equipment is an important part of their daily tasks.

Poor movement and handling techniques may result in back pain and musculoskeletal conditions.  This can prevent staff from performing their jobs safely which increases the risk of accidents involving moving and handling.  This can lead to both the person being moved and/or the employee sustaining injuries.

Care Home Manual Handling Claim Lawyers Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee & Perth

Injuries from manual lifting accidents in Care Homes can include:

• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• Shoulder injuries
• Work -related upper limb disorders
• Muscle pulls and strains
• Cuts and bruising

Our lawyers at Calio Claims completely understand all of the ways in which you might have suffered loss as a result of your injury, and we can help you recover not only financially, but physically and emotionally too. To discuss your claim call us today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.

What duties does my employer have to prevent injury?

Employers have a duty to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their work activities. This is covered by legislation, including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Employers have a responsibility to ensure that all reasonable care is taken to avoid injury.

Your employers should: 

• Assess all known risks to all employees.
• Provide information about risks; and
• Undertake appropriate training for all employees and provide any equipment that is necessary to carry out their role safely and effectively whilst minimising the risk of injury.

What sort of equipment should I be provided with?

Depending on the requirements of the residents, different equipment types and quantities will be required. The employers require to take account of the specific requirements of the user of the equipment to ensure the safety of both the individual being moved and the employee.

Such equipment could include:

• Hoists
• Slide sheets
• Slings
• Wheelchair
• Transfer boards
• Support rails
• Bariatric equipment
• Walking aids

It is also important at all times to follow safe working procedures when using such equipment.  Your employer has a duty to provide you with the appropriate manual handing training. If you are injured as a result of a manual handling incident and you feel your employer has breached their duty of care, then it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.

What should I do if I am injured in a care home manual handling accident at work in Scotland?

If you are injured at work as a result of a manual handling accident, it is important to ensure you do the following:

• Report the incident as soon as possible and complete an accident report form.
• If possible, take photographs of your injury/injuries and the location of the accident.
• Obtain details of any witnesses to the incident or who can speak to the procedure you were doing.

Is there a time limit for care home manual handling personal injury claims in Scotland?

With all personal injury claims, there is a three-year time limit. We recommend seeking advice from a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. 

For a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our team, call us today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.