A conveyor belt accident has the potential to cause severe injury
Employees in factories, warehouses, and other workplaces in Ohio often operate conveyor belts as part of their job. Unfortunately, workplace accidents involving these powerful pieces of equipment happen far too often. And when they do, workers can sustain very serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
If you have been injured in a conveyor belt accident in Ohio, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Whether you're just starting the process of filing a claim or your claim has been denied, an attorney can help you navigate the workers' comp system and fight for the benefits you're entitled to.
How common are conveyor belt accidents?
Other types of workplace accidents might get more attention. But according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), conveyor belt accidents cause an estimated 40 workplace fatalities and 9,000 workplace injuries each year in the United States. That’s more than one injury every hour of every day caused by a conveyor belt accident.
Conveyor belt hazards
Conveyor belt systems have a lot of rotating parts and pinch points, making it easy for body parts to get pulled in and crushed. Some systems also have components that slide or press down, which also puts a worker at risk of getting crushed.
Objects on the conveyor belt can fall from the system and down onto workers. Sometimes, components of the conveyor belt system itself can break, get caught in moving parts, and be ejected out at workers. When working with a conveyor belt system, there's also a risk of electrocution, burns, and explosions.
Like many other workplace accidents, conveyor belt accidents are frequently caused by employers failing to follow safety protocols or otherwise cutting corners. Examples include:
- The company does not properly maintain the conveyor belt, resulting in a mechanical failure or unsafe operation.
- The conveyor belt system isn't inspected on a regular basis.
- Insufficient training is provided to workers who operate the conveyor belt system.
- The conveyor belt is overloaded, causing boxes and other objects on the machine to fall off and crush nearby workers.
- The conveyor belt is operated at an unsafe speed.
In short, there’s no room for error when working near a conveyor belt. Employees need to be properly trained on how to use them, and companies need to do everything they can to make sure all conveyor belts in the workplace are safe and free of hazards.
Injuries involving conveyor belts can cover a wide range, including:
- Amputation of an arm, hand, finger, or another body part.
- Fractured bones, usually in the form of a broken arm or broken hand.
- Crush injuries involving the arms or hands.
- Traumatic brain injuries, like a concussion.
- Skin burns or abrasion injuries, especially on the hands and arms.
Whatever conveyor belt injury you sustained while on the job, make sure you seek immediate medical treatment. Then, talk to an attorney right away to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why should I hire a worker’s comp lawyer?
At Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to move your claim forward and help you get your life back on track. We thoroughly understand how the workers’ compensation system works in Ohio and can protect your rights throughout every step in the process.
If your workplace accident involves someone who doesn't work for your company, then we can also see if you're eligible to file a third-party claim to pursue compensation for losses not covered under workers' comp, such as pain and suffering.
The key is to contact our law firm as soon as possible to go over your legal rights and options. Schedule your free case consultation today. We handle injury claims throughout Ohio, and we have offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, and Troy.