Hidden Dangers of Handling Heavy Sacks

Sack Lifting Injuries in the Food and Drink Industry

Working in the food and drink industry carries the hidden dangers of handling heavy sacks. If you’ve worked in this industry, you’ll know the workload involved behind the scenes to get dishes and drinks out to customers.

There is often a lot of heavy lifting involved which may cause serious harm. Whether it’s flour in a bakery, bags of coffee beans in a café or heavy potato sacks – moving hefty loads is considered a hazard in this industry.

If you’ve suffered an injury caused by heavy lifting at work, you may have a claim if you can show your employer was negligent. At Jefferies Claims, we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we may be able to help.

Common Sack Lifting Injuries – How They Happen

It may seem a simple task – pick up the sack, put it down where it needs to go. But if you’ve done this type of work, you understand it can be no easy task. Here are some hidden dangers behind handling heavy sacks and why injuries occur:

Poor Lifting Techniques – if you haven’t been trained in correct manual handling techniques. This may lead to excessive strain on your back, including your spine and muscles.

Excessive Weight – Some sacks can weigh more than 50lbs. If you have been expected to do this regularly during the day without help or lifting equipment, it may only be a matter of time before you suffer an injury from heavy lifting.

Repetitive Strain – You might be required to lift the odd sack in your work environment. But if this is an on-going task, there will be repetitive strain on your muscles and joints which may lead to injury.

Awkward Positions and Twisting – if you have to reach, twist or lift from an awkward position, this can increase the risk of injury

Slippery or Uneven Floors – Carrying a heavy load and losing your footing due to a slippery or wet floor can result in falls with sprains or even fractures.

Lack of Proper Equipment – Your employer should provide barrow, forklifts or other mechanical equipment to help with lifting. This is particularly you are tasked regularly with heavy lifting.

What Kind of Injuries Can Sack Lifting Cause?

Heavy sack lifting can cause various injuries from sprains to long term back damage. Some common injuries may include:

Back Injuries – One of the biggest hidden dangers with sack lifting is back pain, slipped discs, or even spinal damage from improper lifting.

Muscle Strains and Sprains – Overworking your muscles, especially in the shoulders, arms, and legs. This can lead to painful strains and sprains. These may take a couple of weeks to heal.

‘Slipped’ Discs – Having to regularly lift heavy loads the wrong way can lead to herniated (or ‘slipped’) discs. Chronic pain and mobility issues may be the result.

Knee and Joint Pain – The pressure from heavy lifting can put serious strain on the knees and other joints. This in turn may lead to long term health issues.

Hernias – Excessive strain from heavy lifting can sometimes cause a hernia. This may well require surgery.

Fractures and Bruises from Falls – If you slip or lose control while carrying a sack, there is the risk of falling. You may suffer from broken bones, fractures, bruises, or concussions.

When Can You Claim?

If you’ve been injured while handling heavy sacks, you will have to show how your employer was negligent and should consider the following:

• Your employer failed to provide proper manual handling training.
• You were forced to lift sacks that were too heavy without assistance or equipment.
• You were injured due to unsafe working conditions (like a slippery floor or lack of lifting aids).
• Your employer ignored health and safety regulations.

Next Step To A ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

If you have been injured due to heavy lifting at work and believe you may have a claim for compensation, you need to report the injury. This should be done as soon as possible and ensure it is recorded.

Additionally, you will need to show medical evidence of the injury, so keep all medical records. However, it is also important to gather evidence such as photos of the accident site, your injuries or unsafe conditions in the workplace.

Lifting heavy sacks may seem like part of your daily tasks at work. But if you have suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

The friendly team at Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page for a free, no-obligation consultation.