In general, machines have made the world a much better and more convenient place. Tasks that used to require blood, sweat, and tears can now be automated by machines. However, that does not mean that machinery is safe. In fact, it is quite the opposite, as dangerous machinery can lead to a variety of different types of injuries, which makes it essential to do everything you can to protect your California factory workers from machine-caused injuries. Below, you can find some guidelines for machine guarding safety for factory workers.
AMPUTATIONS ARE THE MOST COMMON MACHINERY INJURY
One of the most common injuries caused by machines in a factory is amputations. All of the moving parts in most factory machinery can make them a certifiable chopping block for employees, as all they have to do is get their hands, feet, or other body parts stuck in a moving part of the machine. Therefore, in order to protect factory workers from amputations, all machinery needs to have some kind of guard in place.
MACHINERY MUST FEATURE GUARDS
Guards offer a physical barrier between workers and moving machinery, with the hope being that the guards prevent any body part from getting stuck in the machinery. All machine guards must meet the OSHA standards to keep all employees as safe as possible, with the guards being strong and secure enough that workers cannot move them in any way.
MACHINE GUARD GUIDELINES
In order for a machine guard to be effective and meet safety protocols, they must follow these guidelines:
- One or more types of guards should be used to protect workers from injury
- Guards should be securely attached to machines and not be sticking out in a hazardous manner. It defeats the purpose of a safety guard if the guard itself is creating a separate possible hazard to anyone who walks by.
- Guards should be used in all areas where work is being performed.
EMPLOYEES MUST BE TRAINED IN MACHINE SAFETY
While the guards are somewhat effective in preventing injury, you still need to make sure all employees are trained in machine safety. All workers must go through safety training in order to operate machinery, and they should be retrained whenever new safety information comes to light. It is always better to err on the side of caution, so make sure you provide thorough training for your employees.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET INJURED BY A MACHINE?
If you are working in a factory or other manufacturing space and you get injured by a machine, you should file a workers compensation claim as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of your employer to keep your workplace safe, and if an injury prevents you from making money, you need to be compensated. If you get injured on the job, you need to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you file a claim.
MANUFACTURING INJURIES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS IN SAN DIEGO
If you are looking for a manufacturing injuries workers compensation lawyer in San Diego, look no further than The Law Office of Matthew Russell. Our team specializes in workers’ compensation claims, and they go above and beyond to make sure each and every client is properly compensated. Working in manufacturing can be dangerous, and it should be comforting to know that a team of experts has your back and will fight for your rights.
If you are interested in learning more about filing a workers compensation claim or would like to schedule a consultation, contact The Law Office of Matthew Russell in San Diego today by calling (619) 544-1506