In 2015, 722 workers in the United States died after contact with objects or equipment, and many more were injured. While different types of equipment make workers’ jobs easier, these same pieces of equipment can result in injury or death. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or another industry, it is important to understand the risks associated with heavy equipment and what to do if you suffer an injury at work.
Why Equipment Injuries Occur
Generally, equipment injuries occur because of a problem with the equipment or a human error. An injury can occur at any time—including during equipment maintenance, cleaning, set up, use, or clean up.
Some common types of equipment accidents and injuries include being hurt by:
- A moving machine part.
- Contact with electric parts.
- Hot machine parts or hazardous materials.
- Falling machine parts.
These types of equipment accidents can result in many different kinds of injuries, including:
- Burns.
- Broken bones.
- Amputations.
- Lacerations.
- Death.
Proper training can help reduce the risks of equipment accidents and resulting injuries, but training may not eliminate the risks.
Take Action If You’ve Been Hurt at Work
You don’t need to prove that your employer—or that anyone else—was negligent in order to recover workers’ compensation benefits after an equipment injury at an Iowa workplace. However, equipment accidents can be complicated. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, or you may have a third-party claim if you can prove that someone other than your employer (or a coworker) was negligent and responsible for your injury. For example, if the piece of equipment was defective when it was delivered to your employer then you could have a third-party claim.
Before you take action, make sure that you understand all of your rights. Call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for a free and confidential consultation about your rights. Your time to pursue a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party claim is limited by Iowa law, so we encourage you to call today to get the answers that you need to make an informed decision about your future.
