Workplace Machinery Accidents

Machines of all types are commonly used in various workplaces, from construction sites, food processing plants and garages to furniture and steel turning workshops. All of this machinery should be put through stringent quality control before it is considered safe for use and given the stamp of approval. However, despite all of the rigorous safety measures that are put in place, workplace machinery accidents still continue to take place in workplace settings where machinery is used.

In most cases, the problem lies not in the machines themselves but in the way that they are used. The majority of machine related injuries are caused because the equipment is not well maintained, not properly guarded or not used correctly.

Any machine, even the smallest, can pose a certain amount of risk if it is not maintained, used or guarded properly.

Common Causes Of Workplace Machinery Accidents

Some of the most common causes for accidents involving dangerous machinery include:

Inadequate Training – In order to get things moving along quickly, very often workers are asked to operate machinery with little or no training. This can pose a real danger as mishandling a machine or using it incorrectly could result in serious injuries.

Operating Machinery Without Any Protective Gear – Every machine comes with its own unique set of risks and potential for injuries of different types. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury while using any machinery is by wearing the recommended protective gear for that particular equipment. This could include a combination of one or more of the following – safety goggles, a hard hat, well-fitting gloves, heavy-duty boots and flame-retardant clothing.

Faulty Machinery – Machinery that is not maintained can be as dangerous as machinery that is being operated without the proper safety guards or the wrong machinery being used to do the job. All of these scenarios come under the purview of ‘faulty machinery’ and all are equally likely to result in injuries.

Regardless of which of the above factors was directly or indirectly responsible, if you sustain a dangerous machinery injury in the workplace, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation against your employer.

Employer Responsibility With Regards To Operating Machinery In The Workplace

According to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, in the workplace, the onus is on the employer to ensure that all safeguards are in place and that all machines are used properly and safely. This includes:

Carrying out risk assessments in relation to the machinery and its associated work processes

• Maintaining all machinery regularly
• Giving top priority to necessary repairs
• Ensuring that all staff who will be handling any machine have received the necessary training
• Ensuring that all employees are provided with the relevant protective gear and that the full gear is always worn when operating any machine.

Making a Workplace Machinery Accidents Compensation Claim

If you’ve been injured at as a result of workplace machinery we can help.

We realize that every injury is unique – just like you. That’s why we take an individualized approach towards every injury case. This means we take the time to learn all about your case and uncover the facts about your accident.

Contact the workplace machinery injury attorneys at the Pisanchyn Law Firm. Call 1-800-444-5309 and schedule a free case evaluation. We have offices in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton and will travel to you.