How To Prevent Workplace Machinery Accidents
Many workplace accidents that occur result from the use of heavy machinery. The following article will discuss some of the most common causes of workplace machinery accidents, as well as provide some practical ways to prevent these types of accidents.
Most Common Causes of Workplace Machinery Accidents
According to OSHA, the following are the most common causes of workplace accidents involving machinery:
- Getting onto and off of machinery: When employees fail to ensure that their boots and gloves are in proper condition, they can be injured when getting onto and off of machinery, especially if they choose to jump off of this machinery.
- Loading/unloading machinery: When employees need to load or unload heavy machinery, there is always a risk that the machinery can crush or otherwise severely injure them.
- Crowded work areas: When work areas that house various machinery are unnecessarily crowded by other employees, it can increase the potential of causing a machinery accident.
- Machine swing radius: Accidents occur when an employee is injured as a result of being struck by a component of a machine during its normal course of operation.
- Machines on a slope: Machines are supposed to be operated on level surfaces. When machinery is on an uneven surface, it increases the potential for serious accidents to occur.
- Overhead obstructions: Overhead and underground machinery hazards can cause serious accidents.
- Machine backing: These types of accidents result when employees are transporting or otherwise using machinery and are not paying attention to what is behind them.
- Machine upset: A machine upset (when a machine randomly malfunctions) can be extremely dangerous, especially if an employee is not wearing his seatbelt.
Tips for Preventing Workplace Machinery Accidents
You can prevent some accidents involving workplace machinery by adhering to the following tips:
- Always wear PPE (such as goggles, safety shoes, and leather gloves) while dealing with machinery
- Avoid wearing jewelry, hair styles, or loose clothing that might get caught on machinery
- Keep your work area free of clutter and debris
- Make sure you know how to use the machine safely before you operate it
- Keep machines repaired, lubricated, and adjusted clean up excess machine lubricants
- Clearly mark control switches and valves that control machines
- Check machines for emergency stop switches; they should be located on or near the machine so the machine can be turned off quickly if a malfunction occurs
- Carefully lower self from machinery, instead of jumping off
- Ensure that you have a spotter when lifting heavy machinery
- Turn power off and remove key before working around or performing maintenance on any machines
- Stay away from moving parts
Were You Recently Injured in a Workplace Machinery Accident? Contact our Firm
If you were recently injured in a workplace machinery accident and are having difficulties obtaining compensation for your injuries from your employer, Connolly Injury Law can help. Our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
