Injuries from lifting or manoeuvring something that is too heavy or too awkward in size remain one of the most common causes of workplace absence across the UK. From back strain and shoulder damage to long-term musculoskeletal conditions, poor manual handling practices affect worker wellbeing as well as compliance with health and safety law.
This article explains the most common manual lifting injuries, their causes, key UK statistics in the workforce, the difference between short-term and long-term injury and how safe lifting equipment can help reduce the associated risks.
What is a manual lifting injury?
A manual lifting injury is any physical injury caused by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling a load by hand or bodily force. These injuries commonly affect the musculoskeletal systems including muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and the spine.
They can occur in a range of settings and situations beyond just lifting something heavy. Injuries can occur when handling lighter loads, if the movement is repetitive and poorly controlled, or generally carried out in an unsafe position.
Because many manual handling injuries develop gradually, they are often underestimated or ignored until pain becomes persistent. This makes early prevention through safer handling methods and equipment essential for reducing long-term harm.
Why manual lifting injuries are still common
Manual handling injuries are often caused by repetitive strain and loads that exceed safe limits. Even when a single lift seems manageable, repeated poor lifting can led to serious injury over time. Common contributing factors include:
- Lifting with a bent back rather than bent knees
- Twisting while lifting or carrying a load
- Handling loads that are bulky or poorly balanced
- Repetitive lifting without adequate rest
- Time pressure and fatigue
- Inadequate training or unsuitable equipment
Despite greater awareness of manual handling guidance, many workplaces still rely heavily on manual effort where mechanical assistance could reduce strain and injury.
Common manual handling injuries
| Injury type | Common manual lifting causes | Typical handling tasks involved | Potential long-term impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower back injuries | Repeated bending, twisting or lifting from floor level | Lifting pallets, boxes, sacks or awkward loads | Chronic back pain, disc damage, reduced mobility |
| Shoulder injuries | Lifting at or above shoulder height, reaching away from the body | Stacking, loading shelves, positioning equipment | Rotator cuff injuries, reduced range of motion |
| Wrist, hand and arm strain | Repetitive gripping, twisting or supporting unstable loads | Handling reels, components, tools or uneven items | Tendonitis, nerve compression, reduced grip strength |
| Neck strain | Poor posture, forward head position during lifting or holding | Prolonged handling, guiding loads into position | Stiffness, headaches, nerve related symptoms |
Manual lifting injuries in the UK workforce
Manual handling injuries remain a significant issue for UK business. Across 2024/25 they were the second most common cause of non-fatal workplace injuries, accounting for around 17% of them [1]. According to the most recent data from UK health and safety reporting:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (many linked to manual handling) are among the leading causes of work-related ill health
- Manual handling is consistently one of the top causes of workplace injury across industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, healthcare and construction
- Work related musculoskeletal disorders lead to hundreds of thousands of lost working days annually, with back and upper limb injuries particularly prominent
These figures illustrate that the risk of manual lifting injuries is not limited to a single sector. Employers across the workforce face real challenges when manual lifting remains a routine part of work.
Short-term injuries versus long-term damage
Manual lifting injuries often develop gradually rather than as a single obvious incident. In many cases, early symptoms are mild and easy to dismiss, which can lead workers continuing to lift and handle loads without addressing the underlying risk.
Short-term effects may include:
- Muscle soreness
- Temporary back or shoulder pain
- Reduced movement after shifts
When these early warning signs are ignored, repeated strain places increasing pressure on muscles, joints and the spine. Over time, this can result in more serious and lasting harm.
Long-term consequences can be more serious:
- Chronic back, shoulder or neck pain
- Ongoing musculoskeletal conditions requiring treatment
- Permanent loss of strength or mobility
- Repeated absence from work
- Reduced quality of life
Once an injury becomes long term, recovery is often slower and more complex, frequently requiring professional treatment and extended time away from normal duties.
How safe lifting equipment reduces injury risk
Reducing manual lifting injuries starts with removing the need for workers to physically lift, hold or position loads using their own strength. Many of the most common injuries highlighted in this article, including back strain, shoulder damage and upper limb disorders, occur when loads are lifted manually in awkward positions or handled repeatedly throughout the working day.
At Lift Safe, we offer a range of manual handling and safe lifting equipment designed to address these risks at the source. By supporting the weight of a load and controlling its movement, our lifters will reduce the physical demands place on your workers’ bodies during any lifting or positioning task.
Our key equipment ranges include:
- Mobile lifters – Designed to lift, lower and manoeuvre loads without bending or overreaching, helping to reduce back and shoulder strain during repetitive handling tasks.
- Counterbalanced cranes – Used where loads need to be lifted or positioned in restricted or hard to reach areas, reducing the need for unstable lifting.
- Stackers – Support safe vertical lifting and placement of loads, reducing manual effort and improving control during handling.
- Scissor lift tables – Raise loads to a comfortable working height, minimising bending and poor posture that commonly lead to lower back injuries.
See our product brochure here…
Conclusion
Manual lifting injuries continue to be a major cause of workplace harm in the UK, affecting everything from backs and shoulders to arms and necks. The most effective way to reduce these injuries and strains is to reduce physical effort through the use of safe handling equipment. By taking proactive steps and providing workforces with these essential pieces of equipment, employers can create safer and more productive workplaces.
So if you’re interested in learning more about manual handling equipment, get in touch with our team at Lift Safe, or browse our range of safe lifting and handling solutions today.
