Ways employers can reduce machinery injury risks

On Behalf of | Aug 8, 2018 | Workers' Compensation

Working around machinery on Pennsylvania job sites can be dangerous due to how fast machines are capable of moving. If an accident involving heavy machinery does occur, any employees involved are at risk for experiencing severe injuries. However, there are some steps employers can take to reduce the risk.

One way employers can help reduce the risk of injuries involving heavy machinery is to ensure that proper guarding is in place. Machine guarding can provide protection for employees from injuries that could be caused by rotating parts, sparks and flying chips. On top of this, employees should be trained to properly focus while using the equipment. This could mean being taught to not interfere with machinery that is moving or in operation. Further, if an employee is focusing while using a piece of equipment, other employees should be prevented from distracting or interfering with that person.

Employees should never operate machinery if they have not been properly trained. Any employee who will be required to operate a specific piece of machinery should be given a tutorial by someone else who knows how to do so. Otherwise, that employee is at serious risk for severe injuries.

In the event that a worker does suffer an injury that was caused by heavy machinery, he or she may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the severity of the injury, the benefits may include a reimbursement for the medical costs associated with the injury, a percentage of wages that were lost and retraining costs if the person can no longer do the job as a result of the injury. If the employee’s claim is denied or the benefits do not cover the costs, an attorney could provide advocacy at an appeals hearing.

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