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The Most Common Injuries Caused by Working With Machines Unsafely

If you work in an environment filled with heavy machinery, safety is a serious concern that can mean the difference between a normal workday and a permanent, life-altering injury. Improper use of machines can lead to catastrophic incidents, and in some cases, you could be entitled to compensation as a result. 

Common Causes of Workplace Machine Accidents

Some of the most serious on-the-job injuries involve heavy machinery, and many of these accidents can be prevented by following proper safety procedures. Below are some of the factors that often contribute to machine-related incidents:

Inadequate Training 

Workers need to be informed of how each machine works before operating it. If no one explains how to handle or maintain equipment safely, or if employees skip formal instruction, mistakes become more likely.

Lack of Machine Maintenance 

Weak or nonexistent maintenance schedules lead to malfunctions and breakdowns. When parts wear down and go without repair, the risk of an accident goes up.

Missing Safety Guards 

Many industrial machines rely on built-in guards or shields that protect operators from moving parts. If these guards are removed, broken, or never installed in the first place, injuries can occur.

Rushing to Meet Deadlines 

When managers push workers to meet tight production goals, employees may cut corners. This could mean skipping necessary checks, ignoring procedures, or working while fatigued – all of which raise the likelihood of an accident.

Ignoring Lockout/Tagout Procedures 

Machinery needs to be shut down and locked while being repaired or cleaned. If this system isn’t followed, a worker could accidentally restart the machine and injure someone still working on it.

Common Injuries Suffered as A Result of Machine Accidents 

Below is a rundown of some common workplace accidents that can happen when machinery isn’t handled correctly and the injuries they can cause.

Crush Injuries 

When a large part of your body is pinned between two moving objects, you may suffer broken bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage. These types of injuries often require immediate surgery and can result in permanent disability.

Amputations 

Contact with sharp or pressurized parts can lead to the loss of fingers, hands, or limbs. Even with surgery, you might need lengthy rehabilitation and prosthetics to regain mobility.

Burns and Electrocution 

Machinery that produces heat or has live electrical parts can cause severe burns and electric shocks. These incidents may result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, or cardiac issues if the electrocution was particularly bad.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) 

If a machine’s moving part strikes your head, you could suffer a TBI. Symptoms vary from mild concussions to life-changing cognitive and emotional challenges that call for extensive medical care. Reach out to our brain injury lawyers in Los Angeles for more information.

Spinal Cord Injuries 

Falls or sudden impacts can damage the spine, leading to partial or total paralysis. In these situations, you may need long-term care, special equipment, and therapy. If you have injured your spine due to a work accident, call a Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorney today.

Hearing Loss 

Noise levels from machinery can be intense, and over time, constant exposure can lead to irreversible hearing damage. Even a sudden blast or malfunction can cause immediate hearing loss, requiring hearing aids or other accommodations.

Eye Injuries 

Flying debris, sparks, or chemical splashes can all injure your eyes while handling industrial equipment. Proper safety gear can help mitigate these risks, but without the appropriate precautions, workers can sustain permanent vision loss or other complications.

If you’ve been injured on the job due to unsafe machinery, you may have the right to seek compensation and the support needed to heal and move on with your life. It’s important to speak with an experienced workplace injury attorney in Los Angeles to discuss your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

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