Philadelphia Hand Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger Review the Basics of Machine Safeguarding

Many machines used in factories and on construction sites have the potential to cause serious injuries if they malfunction or lack safeguards.  Thousands of workers are injured or die each year as a result of dangerous or defective machinery in the workplace.  Machine safeguards play a critical role in protecting workers from senseless and preventable workplace injuries particularly finger, arm and hand injuries such as lacerations, amputations, burns and crushing injuries.

Any machine equipped with moving parts has the potential to cause injury or harm.  Mechanical hazards can be present at the point of operation, within the power transmission areas and on all other moving parts on a machine.  This includes machines that are equipped with rotating, transversing or reciprocating motions as well as machines that have the capacity for cutting, bending, punching and shearing actions.  These hazards need to be controlled or removed.

Preventing Workplace Injuries:  Machine Safeguards Must Meet the Minimum General Requirements Provided by OSHA

Machine safeguards are intended to prevent or detect the entry of fingers or hands if they come into contact with the point of operation. The safeguards can halt the machine’s motion when fingers or hands come within the dangerous part of the machine. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a set of requirements for safeguards.

• A safeguard must prevent any part of a user’s body from coming into contact with the machine’s moving parts.  This includes arms and hands.
• The safeguard must be firmly secured.
• Falling objects should not be able to make contact with the moving parts of a machine.
• The safeguard must not create any additional hazards.
• Maintaining the machine with oil lubrication should be able to be performed without removing the safeguard.
• Machine safeguards should not interfere or restrict a worker’s ability to perform their job responsibilities.

Sadly, some employers, manufacturers or maintenance teams are non-compliant in following the OSHA standards.  They may fail to properly safeguard their machines and equipment leading to devastating injuries in the workplace.  Employers, manufacturers or maintenance teams may fail to fix broken safeguards or may even disable the safety mechanism on a machine.   Sometimes workers do not receive the proper instructions or training on how to safely operate their machine or they may not be provided with the appropriate safety equipment such as gloves or special sleeves.

Obtaining Compensation For Hand Injuries Sustained From Unsafe or Defective Machinery

Any serious arm or hand injury has the potential to cause lasting effects such as permanent disability, pain and mental anguish.  Victims may no longer be able to earn a living, take care of their family or participate in the same activities they enjoyed prior to the accident.  An experienced products liability lawyer can help provide the legal assistance and compassionate support that victims and families need after experiencing such tragedy.

The Philadelphia hand injury lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can thoroughly investigate all types of hand injury claims.  With our tenacity for justice, you can be assured that we will aggressively fight to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their wrongdoings.  We will seek to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, ongoing care or therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering and for other damages associated with your accident.

Galfand Berger:  Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Arm and Hand Injury Victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

If you or a loved one has suffered a hand injury or amputation as a result of inadequate safeguards on a machine, please contact the skilled Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP.  We have successfully represented numerous clients obtaining favorable personal injury settlements or verdicts on their behalf, and we have had significant success with hand injury recoveries.

Galfand Berger maintains offices in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, and Reading, Pennsylvania making us accessible to clients throughout the state.  Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA to schedule a free consultation with one of hand injury lawyers or submit an online inquiry.