Every year, heavy machinery accidents in the workplace cause injuries to thousands of workers and claim the lives of hundreds, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Survivors of these accidents may experience injuries that have a lasting impact on their lives. To ensure workers receive proper compensation, personal injury lawyers are often necessary. Adhering to specific strategies can easily prevent such accidents despite their common occurrence.
Prevent Workplace Injuries with OSHA’s Heavy Machinery Strategies
Getting onto or off equipment or machinery
OSHA identifies this as the leading cause of workplace accidents. Regularly inspect your boots and gloves for cleanliness and good condition to ensure safety. Always descend from machinery instead of jumping off.
Loading or unloading equipment or machinery
Even when equipment is properly placed on a level surface, it can roll over, trapping or crushing workers. Use a spotter when loading or unloading, and ensure sufficient free space around the equipment for a quick escape in case of an accident.
Crowded work areas
The foreman of the worksite should consistently monitor areas to prevent crowding and force workers to move away from areas where they are not required for the operation of the equipment in use.
Swing radius accidents
This accident occurs when a machinery component hits a worker during its regular operation path. Rope off or secure the machinery swing area to prevent such accidents.
Operating equipment or machinery on a slope
When working on a slope, the worker must be aware of surface conditions and the limits of the equipment in use.
Buried or overhead obstructions
Hazards that are underground or overhead should be clearly marked to ensure they are visible to workers.
Backing injuries
This type of injury occurs when a piece of machinery is in reverse motion. A range of precautions should be taken during this time, including setting up a perimeter and employing a combination of wide-angle mirrors, back-up sensors, and back-up alarms.
Upset of equipment or machinery
Using a safety belt or seat belt is the primary way to prevent injury in the case of an equipment upset.
Instability or loss of load
When loads are improperly packed or placed within machinery, this can result in instability or load loss. Ensure loads are properly packed and provide them with a wide berth to protect workers from accidents.
Not following proper log-out/tag-out protocols.
Such protocols exist to ensure any moving parts are in a locked position to secure the load. Not following them dramatically increases the chances of an accidental injury.
Ensure a Safe Workplace: Get the Legal Help You Need Now.
Following the practices listed above can drastically improve the workplace safety of sites involving heavy equipment or machinery. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and would like to discuss your situation, contact us at 419-843-6663 or online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Michigan and Ohio personal injury attorney.
Kevin Boissoneault, is the President and Managing Partner of GT&B. He began his career at GT&B in 1992 and has built the Personal Injury section into one of the strongest and most successful firms in the region. His hard work and dedication as a compelling trial attorney and litigator has won many verdicts and settlements for his clients and their families. Kevin’s commitment to protecting those who have been injured through accident or negligence has brought justice for thousands of clients.
