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Faulty Machinery and Machinery Misuse

Faulty Machinery and Machinery Misuse

Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, is a law firm specializing in workplace injury cases. One area of concern for the firm is work-related machinery misuse accidents and injuries. The use of machinery is an essential part of many jobs across various industries. However, the improper use of these machines can lead to serious and even fatal injuries.

Our attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on injured workers’ and their families. We are committed to helping those injured due to machinery misuse to receive the compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys deeply understands the complex legal issues that arise in these cases and is dedicated to advocating for our client’s rights.

We believe that prevention is critical to reducing the number of machinery misuse accidents and injuries in the workplace. Our firm also works with employers to ensure that they take all necessary steps to provide a safe working environment for their employees.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to machinery misuse, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your case. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

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Statistics Related to Machinery Misuse Accidents in Florida

According to the 2019 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 55 fatal work-related machinery misuse accidents in Florida between 2015 and 2019. This accounted for 11% of all fatal work-related accidents during that period.

Additionally, a report published by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in 2020 found 217 agricultural equipment-related injuries in the state of Florida in 2019. The report noted that the leading causes of these injuries were improper equipment use, lack of safety equipment, and failure to follow safety guidelines.

These statistics highlight the importance of proper training and safety protocols in using machinery to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

Common Causes of Work-Related Machinery Misuse Accidents in Florida

Work-related machinery misuse accidents can happen for many reasons, and the causes can vary depending on the industry and the specific machinery involved. In Florida, some of the most common causes of work-related machinery misuse accidents include:

  • Lack of Proper Training: One of the most common causes of machinery misuse accidents is a lack of proper training. Many workers’ may not fully understand how to operate a machine safely or be unaware of potential hazards.
  • Failure to Follow Safety Guidelines: Employers are required to provide safety guidelines and protocols for using machinery, but some workers’ may not follow these guidelines or take shortcuts that compromise safety.
  • Inadequate Maintenance: Machinery that is not properly maintained can malfunction or break down, leading to accidents or injuries.
  • Defective Machinery: Machinery poorly designed or manufactured can also pose a risk to workers’, even if they are using the equipment properly.
  • Improper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers’ who fail to use or misuse PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, or hard hats, can be at risk for serious injuries.
  • Fatigue or Distraction: Workers’ who are fatigued or distracted while operating machinery are likelier to make mistakes or overlook hazards.
  • Overconfidence: Workers’ who have been using a particular machine for a long time may become overconfident and take risks they might not have taken when they first learned how to use the equipment.

Employers must identify and address these common causes of machinery misuse accidents to prevent them from occurring in the first place. They can do this by providing proper training, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, and maintaining machinery in good working order.

Workers’ can also protect themselves by using PPE, being aware of potential hazards, and reporting any concerns about machinery to their employer.

Common Injuries Caused by Work-Related Machinery Misuse Accidents in Florida

Work-related machinery misuse accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. In Florida, some of the most common injuries caused by machinery misuse accidents include:

  • Burns and Scalds: Workers’ who come into contact with hot surfaces, steam, or chemicals can suffer severe burns and scalds that may require hospitalization and long-term medical care.
  • Amputations: Machinery with moving parts, such as saws or presses, can cause traumatic amputations of limbs or fingers.
  • Crush Injuries: Workers’ caught in machinery or between moving parts can suffer serious crush injuries that can result in broken bones, internal injuries, and other severe injuries.
  • Head and Brain Injuries: Workers’ struck by or caught in machinery can suffer traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, or other head injuries.
  • Eye Injuries: Workers’ not wearing proper eye protection can suffer eye injuries ranging from minor scratches to severe damage that can cause permanent vision loss.
  • Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Workers’ who lift heavy objects or operate machinery in awkward positions can suffer back injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Electrocution: Workers’ who come into contact with live wires or electrical components can suffer electrical burns, cardiac arrest, or other serious injuries.

These injuries can be costly to treat and may require long-term medical care or rehabilitation. They can also prevent workers’ from returning to their jobs or performing the same tasks they did before the accident.

Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Machinery Misuse Accident

Work-related machinery misuse accidents are a serious issue in Florida, and they can result in devastating injuries for workers’. These accidents can happen for many reasons, from a lack of proper training to inadequate equipment maintenance. Workers’ injured in machinery misuse accidents may be entitled to compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Preventing machinery misuse accidents requires a commitment from both employers and workers’. Employers must provide proper training, follow safety guidelines, and maintain machinery in good working order. Workers’ must use personal protective equipment, be aware of potential hazards, and report any concerns to their employer.

At the same time, injured workers’ must seek legal advice from experienced attorneys who can help them understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a machinery misuse accident, contact our legal team, which can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you need to move forward.

With the right legal representation and a commitment to safety, we can work to reduce the number of machinery misuse accidents and injuries in Florida’s workplaces.

INJURED ON THE JOB?
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