Amputation Injury Lawyers – Fighting for Rights
Machine amputation is an unfortunate incident that can occur in the manufacturing industry workplace. Despite the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) setting extensive regulations, thousands of workers suffer finger, hand, foot, and other body part amputations each year, mostly due to compression, crushing, or objects catching or striking them. Fingertips often experience the most significant impacts. If you have experienced a manufacturing accident resulting in amputation, you can contact one of our experienced Ohio and Southeast Michigan amputation injury lawyers at 419-843-6663 or online for assistance.
Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe workplace, including protecting workers from machine amputation risks through proper guarding and comprehensive training on safe work practices. Implementing machine-safeguarding measures proves to be the most effective method of preventing amputations caused by stationary or portable machinery.
Guards act as physical barriers to hazardous areas and should be secure and sturdy, with no possibility for bypass, removal, or tampering. They should not obstruct the operator’s view or hinder other workers. Devices can also prevent contact with points of operation and supplement or replace guards. These devices interrupt the machine’s normal cycle when the operator’s hands are at risk.
Amputations occur most often in the following industries, according to OSHA.
Workplace accidents can lead to amputations, which pose a severe risk to employees’ health and safety, necessitating surgery. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has noted that specific industries experience more amputations than others. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the most common industries with amputation hazards to decrease incidents and promote workplace safety.
1. Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry has various tools and machinery that pose a considerable risk of amputation because they may have movable parts that workers could come into contact with. Workers in manufacturing industries must deal with lathes, mills, printing presses, saws, and other dangerous machinery without proper training and safety protocols. Proper training, safety guards, and labels on equipment can significantly reduce the risk of amputations in the manufacturing industry.
2. Construction Industry
The construction industry is well-known for its hazards, including machinery and tools such as saws, lathes, nail guns, and heavy equipment. Amputations in construction occur due to accidents such as getting stuck in machinery, falling from heights, or being hit by a vehicle. Providing regular training sessions and equipment testing, ensuring adequate safety protocol adherence, and enforcing the use of necessary protective gear such as hard hats and safety belts can significantly reduce the risk of amputations in this industry.
3. Agriculture Industry
Workers in the agriculture industry deal with tractors, combines, and other machinery that can be hazardous. The machinery increases the risk of amputations due to faulty machinery or getting caught in moving parts or blades. Safety devices and proper gear can prevent amputations in these industries. Moreover, employee training, vehicle maintenance, and equipment modification can help enhance the safety of the laborers in this industry.
4. Meatpacking Industry
Machine operations occur in meatpacking industries, posing a severe risk of worker amputation. The finely tuned machinery and rapid pace result in dangerous environments for employees. Employers can prevent the occurrence of amputations by providing safety guards and implementing safety protocols and procedures for machinery use. In addition, employees should receive adequate training on operating manual and automatic cutting devices.
Machinery and Equipment with the Highest Risk of Amputation, according to OSHA
Working with heavy machinery and equipment is a common task in many industries. However, it also comes with a high risk of injury. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), amputation is one of the most severe and debilitating workplace injuries that can occur as a result of improper use or lack of maintenance of machinery and equipment.
1. Mechanical Power Presses
These machines use pressure to cut, shape, or punch materials. They are one of the most hazardous workplaces that can cause amputation, fracture, or laceration injuries. According to OSHA, about 49% of amputation incidents involving mechanical power presses occur in the United States.
2. Conveyors
Conveyors are a type of machinery used to move materials from one place to another. They can cause amputation if workers’ fingers or limbs get caught while they are unclogging the machinery, working around the moving parts, or cleaning it. The danger of amputation increases in unguarded conveyors, which are responsible for about 25% of incidents.
3. Drill Presses
Drill presses are used to make holes in metal, plastic, wood, and other materials. The danger of amputation exists when the machinery’s moving parts come into contact with the worker’s fingers, hair, or clothing. Lack of safety equipment, debris, and damaged machinery parts can also contribute to accidents.
4. Saws
Saws are dangerous pieces of machinery commonly used in lumber mills, woodworking shops, and metalworking facilities. They are known for causing severe amputation injuries, especially when safety guards and protective equipment are absent or inadequate.
5. Guillotine Cutters
Guillotine cutters, commonly utilized in the paper and printing industries, pose the risk of amputation and can cause life-altering injuries when workers’ hands make contact with their sharp blades.
Workers’ Compensation for Amputations
Workers injured in machinery accidents resulting in amputations may qualify for compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. Although varying by state, workers’ compensation laws generally benefit employees injured on the job, irrespective of fault. Machinery accidents can also lead to legal repercussions for employers, including fines or penalties for safety regulation violations.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Aside from workers’ compensation, injured workers may have the opportunity to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller of the defective machinery or equipment. These lawsuits can be intricate and demand expert legal representation, but they hold the potential for substantial compensation for the injured worker.
Seek Legal Advice from Experienced Machine Amputation Injury Lawyers
Proper training, safety protocols, and regular maintenance can often help prevent machinery accidents and amputations. While it may not be possible to prevent them entirely, injured workers have legal options for compensation, including workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury lawsuits. If you or someone you know has experienced a machinery accident or amputation, seeking legal advice from an experienced Ohio or Monroe, Michigan, personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights is crucial. When searching for a “Monroe amputation attorney near me”, look no further. To discuss your workplace accident resulting in an amputation, reach out to our local accident attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault.
Contact us today at 419-843-6663 or by using our convenient online contact form to arrange a consultation.
