Machine Accidents and Injuries

Ensuring the safety of employees should always be a top priority for organizations. Workplace safety is crucial as it directly impacts employee well-being and overall business success. Unfortunately, machinery accidents and injuries are prevalent in workplaces across the United States, leading to severe consequences such as fatalities, life-altering injuries, and lost workdays that hamper productivity. It is crucial to acknowledge the seriousness of this issue, as a substantial percentage of work-related injuries are a result of machinery accidents that hinder employees’ ability to work effectively. On average, workers affected by such injuries require 24 days away from work for recovery. Hence, it is vital to make every effort to promote a safe work environment and ensure that employees return home safely every day. As a result, organizations must implement measures to prevent accidents caused by common types such as struck-by, caught-in/between, contact, and electrical accidents.

 

Struck-by Accidents 

 

Struck-by accidents pose a significant danger and are unfortunately common in the workplace. Heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and trucks are often the cause, putting workers who operate or work around these machines at risk. These accidents generally happen when a worker gets hit by a moving vehicle, debris falls, or equipment strikes them. Thankfully, we can reduce the risk of such accidents by implementing measures such as proper training and safety precautions like barricades, warning devices, and protective gear.

 

Caught In/Between Accidents 

 

Workers who operate with or near heavy machinery with moving parts face a serious concern with caught-in/between accidents. Unfortunately, accidents can happen when a worker’s body parts or clothing get trapped in gears, belts, or rollers of a machine, causing minor to fatal injuries. Workers can also become trapped or pinned between machinery and a fixed object, like a wall or pillar. Employers must provide adequate training and safety measures to prevent such accidents.

 

Contact Accidents 

 

Contact accidents pose a serious concern in many workplaces, especially those involving machinery or equipment with moving parts. Workers may directly contact tools such as saws, blades, and gears, resulting in severe injuries, including minor cuts and bruises, major amputations, or even fatalities. Employers play a crucial role in accident prevention by providing protective gear and comprehensive training on machinery’s proper use and operation.

 

Electrical Machine Accidents 

 

Various industries face a serious concern with electrical machine accidents and injuries that can cause harm to workers’ property and even result in fatalities. The type of machine being used determines the specific accidents and injuries. Some common ones are electrical burns, electrocutions, amputations, and falls. Electrical burns happen when a worker comes into contact with electrical currents, leading to serious burn injuries. Electrocutions occur when electrical currents pass through the body, causing cardiac arrhythmia, muscle spasms, and even death. Amputations can result from exposed moving parts or pinch points, causing severe injuries or loss of limbs.

 

Factors Contributing to Machine Accidents

 

Machines both enhance workplace safety and productivity but also present significant dangers. According to OSHA, machine accidents often occur due to inadequate safety measures, including failure to maintain equipment, insufficient training, or absence of safety guards on machines. Factors like human error, improper maintenance, or mechanical failures may also contribute.

While some accidents result from inadequate training, many stem from a lack of safety measures, the employer’s intentional removal of safety guards, or equipment failures. Maintaining machinery properly and deploying safety mechanisms such as emergency shut-off switches and protective barriers is crucial to prevent accidents. Additionally, workers need proper training on machinery operation and emergency safety protocols.

Moreover, machine accidents and injuries frequently occur due to fatigue and distractions. Fatigued or distracted workers are prone to errors while operating equipment, increasing the risk of accidents. Employers can mitigate fatigue by offering regular breaks and scheduling shifts appropriately to minimize distractions and fatigue.

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Ensuring a Safe Work Environment

 

The statistics demonstrate that machine accidents and injuries pose a significant problem in numerous workplaces. Employers must not put profit over safety and must proactively take steps to shield their workers from these hazards. Proper training, adequate safety gear, and machinery safeguards aid in minimizing accidents and injuries related to machinery. Additionally, allowing workers to take adequate breaks and minimize distractions is crucial to reduce the risk of fatigue and errors. Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is everyone’s responsibility, including workers and employers. By prioritizing safety, we can prevent accidents and injuries, safeguard our employees, and enhance the productivity of our organizations.

 

The Cost of Machine Accidents

 

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, machine accidents and injuries caused 2,444,000 non-fatal workplace injuries. The National Safety Council estimates workplace accidents and injuries cost over $170 billion annually. Medical treatment expenses and lost wages resulting from these incidents significantly impact businesses and the economy. Therefore, all organizations should prioritize preventing machine accidents and injuries.

Aside from the physical pain and suffering endured by victims of machine accidents, organizations face staggering costs. Direct costs include medical expenses, emergency response services, workers’ compensation insurance, legal fees, and machine repairs. However, accidents also bring indirect costs like decreased productivity, lowered employee morale, increased insurance premiums, and damage to reputation, all of which accumulate over time.

 

What to do if You Experience an Injury

 

If you sustain an injury, your top priority should be to seek immediate medical attention and follow the recommended treatment and rehabilitation plan. Along with the physical toll an injury can have, it can also lead to financial burdens such as medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs. It is important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation that covers these expenses. That’s why it’s beneficial to seek the assistance of an attorney who specializes in machine accidents. They can help you determine if you’re eligible for financial compensation and guide you through the necessary steps to claim the compensation you deserve.

 

Why You Need an Attorney for Machine Accidents

 

When dealing with machine accidents, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Employers must ensure proper machine maintenance, adherence to protocols, and adequate employee training. However, despite precautionary measures, accidents can still happen. In these situations, taking appropriate action and seeking legal representation becomes crucial. An attorney specializing in machine accidents comes into the picture to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Their expertise in negotiating with your employer’s insurance company will help you obtain a fair settlement, and if necessary, they’ll advocate for you in court. Taking early action and having an attorney on your side will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you’re well-informed and compensated for your injuries.

 

Get the Legal Representation You Deserve After a Machine Injury.

 

If you or a loved one has encountered a machine accident, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and challenging. You need the guidance of an experienced attorney to understand your legal options and receive the compensation you deserve. Our team of skilled machine injury attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault comprehensively understands these complex cases. We will assess your unique situation and provide comprehensive legal representation, supporting you throughout the process. If you need assistance, contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault today at 419-843-6663 or through our online contact form. We are committed to helping workers in Ohio and Michigan obtain the justice they deserve.