According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the manufacturing sector have an amputation rate of 1.7 per 10,000 full-time workers, which is more than double the rate for all private industries. This translates to 2,000 full-time manufacturing sector workers who had to undergo an amputation in 2013.
Those who work in sawmills, machine shops and retail environments are at the highest risk of suffering a serious injury that could lead to amputation. According to updated guidelines recently issued by OSHA, enhanced oversight of the manufacturing sector can prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries that could lead to permanent disability. Employers will be directed to identify hazards within the workplace and take steps to reduce or eliminate those hazards.
Specifically, employers will be asked to monitor the risk of injury to anyone who cleans out a jammed machine or is asked to clean a machine in general. Furthermore, employees will be monitored to determine their odds of getting hurt while oiling or greasing a machine or working with machine pans. Finally, any machinery that an employee may use will be inspected to ensure that it locks properly and cannot start on its own.
A person who has been injured on the job may wish to talk to an attorney. Legal counsel may be able to determine if the person is eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which can include the provision of medical care and treatment as well as a portion of wages lost during the recovery period. If the injury was caused by the negligence of a non-employer third party, it may be possible under some circumstances to pursue a separate action for damages as well.