In many industries, staff work with machinery on a daily basis. It is important to be aware of the dangers of this as accidents can be common, which can cause a host of issues, including serious injury, time off work, and negligence claims. This post will explore the risks of operating machinery in the workplace, common causes of accidents, and the legal avenues for injured workers.
Common Machinery-Related Accidents
There are a few common machinery-related accidents that are prevalent in wide-ranging industries. Entanglement is a common issue with employees getting entangled within the machinery, which can lead to serious injuries. Crushing is another serious issue that can be an issue with heavy machinery, while equipment malfunctions can also cause damage. Most of these accidents are avoidable through proper training, safety equipment, and safety guards.
Employer Responsibilities
Every employer in the UK has a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees. This means that you must ensure that all equipment and machinery are safe with regular maintenance and safeguards. In addition to this, employers must provide training to employees so that they know how to use equipment properly and safely.
Reporting & Documentation
If there is an accident in the workplace, it is vital that it is properly reported to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This will involve documenting the details of the accident, including photographs of the accident site and injuries sustained, as well as witness statements. Reporting is key for preventing future accidents from taking place and will be important for any compensation claims.
Pursuing Compensation
If an employee is involved in an accident involving machinery that was not their fault, they may want to pursue machinery injury claims. This can be a pathway to receiving compensation for injuries sustained due to employer negligence. Compensation can cover the damages, which can include medical costs, future care, current and future loss of earnings, and any other costs linked to the accident. In addition to this, pain and suffering are factored into the total amount.
Machinery and equipment are a critical part of many daily operations, but this equipment can also be dangerous and lead to accidents. Every employer has a legal duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees, which means that it is essential that you ensure the safety of equipment with regular maintenance and provide staff training. If there is a machinery accident that was not the fault of the employee, it could lead to an employer negligence claim.