Poor maintenance and improper use of machinery are usually to blame for machinery-related injuries in the workplace. Employers in Pennsylvania who want to ensure a safe environment for their employees will want to consider the following five tips. They apply not only to the heavyweight machines but also to the small machines that are relatively easy to operate.
Machine guarding is the first step. Barrier guards, light curtains and two-hand controls are just a few examples of guarding. They can prevent injuries due to rotating parts, flying chips and sparks from tools like saws and lathes. The next step is to have all employees wear the right personal protective equipment. This includes helmets, safety goggles and face shields, ear protection, gloves and steel-toe shoes. To determine what sort of PPE is necessary, employers should conduct a hazard assessment.
Employees should never come in contact with moving parts of machinery, and they should never interfere with co-workers who are operating machinery. Doing either can result in injuries, especially caught-in/between injuries. Fourthly, employers should provide sufficient training on machine safety. Someone already experienced with machines can handle it. Lastly, machines that unload can sometimes malfunction, so employees must stay clear of them. Signs that mark out clearing zones can prove helpful.
In the event of a work-related injury, an employee can file a workers’ compensation claim and be reimbursed for their losses. This could include past and future medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability and a percentage of the lost income. Once victims have reported the incident and received medical treatment, they could speak with a lawyer about filing the claim. A lawyer can hire third parties to prove that the injuries are all accident-related. If the claim is denied, the attorney could assist with the appeal.
