Manual Handling Injury Claims

If you’ve hurt your back, shoulder, or joints from lifting or moving something at work, we understand how disruptive that can be—not just to your job, but to your everyday life. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve spent over 20 years helping people across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve found themselves in your shoes—injured, under pressure, and unsure where to turn.

Manual handling injuries are often brushed off or blamed on “bad luck” or “just part of the job.” But the truth is, employers have a duty to make sure the right training, equipment, and support are in place. When that doesn’t happen, and someone gets hurt, it’s not just unfortunate—it’s unfair.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a local, dependable team who’ll listen, explain things clearly, and take care of the process with the care it deserves. That’s exactly what we do. Contact us to discuss your case.

Manual Handling Injuries: How They Happen and Who They Affect

Manual handling might sound straightforward—but when it’s done without the right training, support, or equipment, it can lead to serious injuries that affect your work, your home life, and your health. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped countless people across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve been hurt simply trying to do their job.

What is manual handling? It includes any task that involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It could be a single heavy lift or a repetitive movement carried out over days, weeks, or months.

Many people assume these injuries only affect warehouse or construction workers—but that’s far from the case. We regularly assist care assistants, delivery drivers, supermarket staff, cleaners, hospitality workers, tradespeople, and even office staff who’ve been asked to shift boxes, equipment, or stock without proper preparation.

Here’s how it typically happens:

You’re asked to lift something too heavy, too awkward, or without help
You’re shown basic training once, but never told how to handle the exact job at hand
You’re rushing to meet a deadline, short-staffed, or worried about falling behind
You’re using old equipment, broken trolleys, or nothing at all to move something big
You’re working in a tight space with poor flooring, low lighting, or no clear route
You’re helping someone else lift something—and they lose grip, twist, or drop it

These situations are far more common than they should be. And the injuries they cause aren’t always dramatic. Some people feel a sudden pop or jolt when lifting and know straight away something’s wrong. Others start with stiffness or fatigue that slowly turns into pain or permanent damage.

We’ve seen clients who’ve torn a muscle in seconds, and others who developed a disc injury after years of repetitive work that was never properly assessed or supported. In every case, the impact is real—and often avoidable.

It’s easy to feel like you should’ve “lifted it better” or “spoken up sooner,” but the truth is this: employers have a legal duty to train, equip, and protect you. If they didn’t—and you got hurt because of it—you may be entitled to bring a claim.

Types of Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling injuries aren’t always visible—but their effects are often lasting. Whether the pain started with a single awkward lift or crept up after months of strain, the damage can be serious. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve worked with people across all sectors who are dealing with the physical and emotional toll of these injuries.

Common physical injuries we see include:

Back and spinal injuries are by far the most common. These range from minor muscle strains to herniated discs and nerve compression. Some clients experience pain immediately, while others find it builds over time. Either way, back injuries can make even simple tasks like sitting, sleeping, or walking difficult.
Shoulder, arm, and wrist injuries often come from reaching, pushing, or lifting in awkward positions. Rotator cuff damage, tendonitis, and repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are particularly common among warehouse staff, care workers, and anyone doing frequent or overhead lifting.
Leg and knee injuries can occur when lifting heavy loads with poor posture, or when working in cramped spaces. These injuries often result in instability, reduced movement, or long-term discomfort—especially if not treated early.
Muscle tears and hernias happen more often than you’d think. Lifting too much without proper support or coordination can put intense pressure on your abdominal wall or large muscle groups, leading to sudden tearing or strain.
Dropped loads and sudden slips during manual handling are another frequent cause of injury. A box that shifts unexpectedly, a co-worker who loses grip, or a wet floor beneath your feet can all result in sprains, fractures, or head injuries in a matter of seconds.

We understand how hard it can be to speak up about these injuries—especially if you feel you’ll be blamed or ignored. But the truth is, your health matters. You deserve support, not silence. And we’re here to make sure you get it.

Why Manual Handling Injuries Happen

In many cases, manual handling injuries don’t happen because of one big mistake. They happen because of a pattern of neglect—small things that add up to a serious problem. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve seen the same preventable issues appear time and again across workplaces in Tallaght, Dublin, and beyond.

Lack of Proper Training

Far too many workers are sent into physically demanding jobs with no real training—just a quick video, a rushed induction, or a vague reminder to “mind your back.” Even those who receive formal training are often shown techniques that bear little resemblance to their actual tasks.

Examples include:

Training that’s outdated or not tailored to your role
No refresher sessions, even after years of handling heavy items
No practical guidance on two-person lifts, pushing techniques, or posture correction
No instructions on when or how to ask for help

Employers have a legal duty to provide manual handling training that’s meaningful, relevant, and repeated as needed—not just ticked off on a form.

Unsafe Work Conditions

Some environments simply aren’t fit for safe lifting or carrying, yet workers are expected to “get on with it.” We regularly come across workplaces with:

Cramped spaces that force awkward body positions
Cluttered aisles or uneven flooring
Poor lighting that makes it hard to see hazards
Heavy or unstable items stored above shoulder height
No mechanical aids, or aids that are broken, outdated, or unavailable

In some cases, the task itself is impossible to carry out safely without tools or help—yet workers are pressured to do it solo to save time or meet quotas.

No Risk Assessment or Planning

Under Irish health and safety law, employers must assess the risks of any manual handling task and put controls in place to reduce that risk. That includes:

Evaluating the weight, size, and shape of items being moved
Providing mechanical lifting aids where necessary
Ensuring loads are stable and easy to grip
Adjusting tasks to match the physical capabilities of workers
Making sure team lifts are coordinated, not improvised

When these steps are skipped, the risk of injury rises—especially for new or younger staff, older workers, or those returning from leave.

Rushed, Overworked Staff

Time pressure plays a huge role. When staff are stretched thin or expected to meet unrealistic deadlines, they’re more likely to lift without checking weight, skip steps, or avoid asking for help. That’s not laziness—it’s the result of a workplace that puts productivity above safety.

These aren’t excuses. They’re real failures of care—and when they lead to injury, they’re legally actionable. We’re here to help you hold the right party accountable.

What You Should Do After a Manual Handling Injury

If you’ve suffered a manual handling injury at work—whether it happened suddenly or developed over time—it’s important to take a few key steps early on. These actions can help protect your health, your rights, and any future claim you may wish to bring.

1. Get Medical Attention Straight Away

Even if the pain feels manageable at first, don’t ignore it. Many injuries (especially back, neck, or soft tissue damage) can worsen over time. A visit to your GP, walk-in clinic, or A&E will: Provide immediate care Create a medical record of the incident Support any future claim by linking the injury to your work Be sure to explain how the injury occurred and what tasks you were doing at the time.

2. Report the Injury at Work

Let your supervisor or manager know what happened. If possible, report it in writing and keep a copy for yourself. Include: The date, time, and location What you were lifting or moving Whether you had help or equipment Any witnesses present If your workplace has an accident logbook, ask for your injury to be recorded.

3. Keep Records and Evidence

Hold on to anything that could support your version of events, such as: Damaged clothing, gloves, or faulty equipment Photos of the area or the item you were handling Names and contact details of colleagues who saw what happened A diary of your symptoms, pain levels, medical visits, and days off Even if your injury wasn’t caused by a single event, keeping track of how it progressed can be very helpful.

4. Don’t Feel Pressured to Brush It Off

Some employers may downplay the injury or offer to “sort it out quietly.” It’s important not to sign or agree to anything before seeking advice. Your recovery—and your rights—deserve proper attention. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ll listen carefully and guide you through your options without pressure or confusion. A quick conversation can often give you peace of mind, even if you’re not ready to make a claim yet.

How Manual Handling Injuries Affect Life at Work and at Home

A manual handling injury doesn’t just cause pain—it can change how you work, live, and support the people around you. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how even “ordinary” workplace injuries can have lasting consequences, especially when they’re not taken seriously from the start.

Impact at Work

Many of our clients are proud of the work they do. They want to stay active, contribute, and earn their keep. But when lifting, carrying, or moving becomes painful—or impossible—their working life is often turned upside down.

You may find yourself:

Unable to return to your full duties
Stuck on light tasks with reduced hours or no overtime
Facing pressure to come back before you’re ready
Worried about job security or being replaced
Unable to retrain or transition into a less physical role

For those in physical roles—care, construction, warehouse, delivery—this can mean a full career change, not just a temporary setback.

Impact at Home

Injuries don’t clock out when you leave work. Pain and fatigue follow you home and can affect every part of daily life:

Struggling with basic tasks like cooking, dressing, or climbing stairs
Trouble picking up your children or playing with them safely
Needing help with household chores you once managed easily
Relying more on family members or partners for day-to-day support

These physical limitations can take a serious emotional toll. Many clients tell us they feel frustrated, low in themselves, or guilty for depending on others.

The financial impact can add another layer of stress—especially if you’re self-employed or living paycheque to paycheque. Reduced earnings, extra medical costs, and uncertainty about the future can all create pressure.

We understand the full picture—not just what’s in the medical report. That’s why, when we support clients with manual handling claims, we look at how the injury has affected everything, not just the task that caused it.

Time Limits for Making a Claim in Ireland

In most manual handling cases, you have two years from the date of the injury—or from the date you first became aware of it—to start a claim. This is known as the statute of limitations.

If your injury developed gradually, such as from repetitive strain, the two-year clock usually starts from the date of diagnosis or when you reasonably linked the pain to your work.

Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to claim, so it’s always best to get advice early. We’ll help you understand where you stand and whether you’re still within time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim if I’ve been lifting the same way for years and only recently got injured?

Yes. Injuries from manual handling often develop gradually over time. If poor techniques, a lack of training, or unsafe working conditions contributed to your injury—even after years of doing the task—you may still have a valid claim.

What if my employer gave me training, but it didn’t apply to the task I was doing?

We see this often. General or irrelevant training doesn’t meet the legal requirement. If your manual handling injury occurred during a task that wasn’t properly covered by your training, the employer may still be found liable.

I wasn’t using a hoist or lifting aid because none were available—does that affect my claim?

No. Employers have a duty to provide mechanical aids for manual handling where needed. If none were provided, or existing aids were broken or unavailable, that may strengthen your case rather than weaken it.

Can I still claim if I lifted something with a colleague and they dropped it?

Yes. Shared lifting is a known risk. If a co-worker dropped a load and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim—especially if there was no coordination, supervision, or proper instruction from your employer.

Does it matter if I didn’t report the injury immediately?

While early reporting is always best, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from claiming. Many manual handling injuries worsen over time. If there’s a reasonable explanation for the delay, your claim can still proceed.

What if the item I lifted didn’t seem heavy at the time?

Manual handling injuries aren’t just about weight—they also involve repetition, awkward shape, lack of grip, or bad posture. Even relatively light items can cause injury if not handled properly or repeatedly lifted without breaks.

Can I claim for a hernia caused by lifting at work?

Yes. Hernias are a recognised outcome of improper or unsupported lifting. If your job required lifting and you weren’t given the right support or instruction, a claim may be possible.

I’m worried my injury will affect my long-term ability to work—can that be factored in?

Absolutely. Future loss of earnings and changes to your career path are important considerations. These longer-term effects can be included in your claim if properly documented.

Speak to a Local Solicitor Who Understands Manual Work

If you’ve been injured while lifting or moving at work, speak to John O’Leary Solicitors LLP. With over 20 years of experience supporting workers across Tallaght and Dublin, we’ll give you clear, honest advice.