January 10, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Workplaces that have machinery pose various risks. Workplace accidents can occur at any time as a result of misuse of the equipment or malfunctioning equipment. These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes to severe and life altering injuries such as amputations. Machinery accidents can also result in death.

Common Types of Machinery Accidents

Machinery in workplaces can result in a wide variety of accidents. Some of the most common machinery accidents include:

•         Electrocution

Electrocution is a real risk when handling electric equipment. Machinery can conduct electricity to the operator and therefore cause anyone that touches it to be electrocuted. Electrocution can also result from faults in the machine.

•         Caught between or crushed by accidents

These accidents often involve equipment with moving parts of heavy mobile equipment. Workers may be crushed by the equipment or have a body part caught in the machine. These accidents often result in serious bodily injuries.

•         Struck by accidents

These accidents are often caused by heavy mobile machinery. They can be the result of a part or the whole of the equipment hitting the victim such as in the case of a truck. They can also be the result of an object that the machinery is carrying or processing striking the victim.

Types of Machinery that Commonly Cause Workplace Accidents

All machinery in the workplace presents some level of risk. However, some machinery is considered more dangerous than others. Below are some machinery in the workplace that commonly cause workplace accidents.

•         Saws

Power saws make it easier to cut through different types of materials. These saws come in different designs and with different features. Saws are one of the most dangerous types of machinery in the workplace. They can cause various accidents including deep cuts or even the severing of limbs.

It is important to take safety precautions when handling power saws. Be sure to read the owner’s manual before using the saw. You should also wear protective equipment including protective gloves, shoes and goggles. Use the saw to cut materials that it is designed to cut and ensure that you clear your work area before you use the saw.

•         Cranes

Cranes are large and heavy machinery used to lift heavy objects to height. Cranes are often used in the construction industry. Cranes accidents are responsible for the deaths of an average of 42 workers in the construction industry every year.  They can cause accidents in various ways including:

o   Electrocution – this can occur when the boom or other parts of the crane come into contact with overhead power lines

o   Collapses – cranes can collapse for a number of reasons including instability or being placed on an uneven surface

o   Striking accidents – cranes can cause injury as a result of a part of the crane striking the worker or the load that the crane is carrying striking a worker.

•         Bulldozers

Bulldozers help in the preparation of land for construction. Bulldozers are responsible for killing an average of 100 people every year.  Accidents involving bulldozers include:

o   Being struck by a bulldozer as it changes direction or is backing up

o   Being crushed by a bulldozer.

o   Being run over by a bulldozer. For example, if the bulldozer’s brakes are not working

o   Hearing loss as a result of the noise and vibration caused by the bulldozer

Bulldozers should only be operated by workers with proper training. They should also undergo regular maintenance. Workers should be trained on safety while working in areas with heavy machinery such as bulldozers. They should also be provided with safety equipment such as ear muffs or ear plugs

•         Forklifts

Forklifts are a common feature in warehouses, loading docks and other areas where the moving of heavy loads is often required.  Forklifts can result in various types of accidents including:

o   Being run over by the forklift when it is backing up or when the breaks have failed

o   Being crushed by the forklift when the forklift falls over as a result of improper loading.

o   Impaling by the forklift

o   Being struck by the load that the forklift is carrying

Seeking Compensation for Workplace Accidents Involving Machinery

Workplace accidents involving machinery can often result in serious injuries. There are times when these injuries are catastrophic. They are life altering injuries that result in the worker being unable to return to work or seek other forms of employment.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a workplace injury involving machinery, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a:

•         Workers’ compensation claim
•         Personal injury lawsuit against a third party whose negligence resulted in the accident that caused your injury. For example the manufacturer of faulty machinery.

It is important to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney. Your attorney will fight to ensure your recovery is just compensation for your injuries.

Workers Comp Machinery Accidents Nebraska