Accidents involving the failure of mechanical equipment increase as companies work to improve and increase the production process.
Every year, thousands of workers are injured in work-related accidents. Some injuries develop gradually as a result of repetitive stress, while other injuries are the direct result of an accident. As workplaces rely more and more on mechanical devices to improve and expedite the production process, accidents involving the failure of these equipment are also on the rise. Mechanical equipment failure can severely injure the equipment operator or those present around it.
Mechanical Equipment Failure
Common mechanical equipment that can fail and lead to an accident include:
- pumps
- fans
- blowers and gears
- belt conveyers
- plastic extruders
- hydraulic hoses
- cylinders
- aluminium bus bars
- turbines
- food and printing presses
- electric welders
- compressors
- grinders
- compactors
The breakdown of any components of the equipment listed above can cause further damage and lead to mechanical failure. In many cases, the equipment itself can be defective because of a manufacturing or design defect. Some accidents are caused by the failure to properly assemble, maintain, or repair the equipment, causing it to malfunction. Machines which are old and worn out tend to breakdown more often.
Mechanical equipment failure may involve surge overloads, misalignment, scoring, distortions, metallurgy, electrolysis, breaks or chips in parts, oil contamination, broken gear sets, and inadequate cooling.
Whether the mechanical failure is caused by corrosion or construction, the damage that results can be devastating. Employees who work in close proximity to the equipment are more prone to injury from electric shock, flying parts, and chemical spills. Even though most employers provide adequate safety training and protective gear to their workers, many mechanical failures are sudden and often deadly.
Injuries Resulting From Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures can result in the following types of work-related injuries:
- burns
- scars
- loss of vision
- electrocution
- crush injuries
- broken bones
- exposure to toxins
- internal bleeding
- loss of body parts
- spinal cord damage
- permanent disfigurement
- traumatic brain injury
Often, the injuries caused by mechanical equipment failure are serious in nature and may render a worker permanently disabled. The injured worker may have to undergo medical treatment for an extended period of time and may have to miss work for recovery. The Missouri workers’ compensation system takes care of the financial needs of workers injured at the workplace.
Missouri Workers Compensation Law
If you have been injured at work because of mechanical equipment failure, you should be aware of your legal rights under the Missouri workers’ compensation system. An injured worker may be entitled to medical benefits, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and rehabilitation benefits. Contact an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Call us at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.
Workplace Injury and Accident Causes
Asbestos Removal
Second Hand Asbestos Exposure
Sexual Assault Workplace
Physical Assault at Workplace
Workplace Injuries Assembly Line
At Fault Accident
Workplace Attack
Benzene Exposure
Injured on Lunch Break
Building Collapse
Workplace Bullying
Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Chemical Hazards in the Workplace
Cold Stress in the Workplace
Combustible Dust Explosion
Computer Use
Construction Site Accident
Conveyor Belt Accident
On the Job Injury Cause by Coworker
Crane Accident
Injuries from Desk Jobs
Diesel Exhaust Fumes Exposure
Digging Injury
Breaking Company Policy
Drowning at Work
Workplace Drug Use
Elevator Accident
Equipment Accident
Ergonomics in the Workplace
Excessive Overtime
Workplace Explosion
Extreme Danger
Fall at Work
Fire in the Workplace
Slicer Accident
Forklift Accident
Walk in Freezer
Gas Pipeline Accident
Hard Work
Workplace Hazardous Substances
Hazardous Equipment in the Workplace
Heavy Machinery Accident
Horseplay in the Workplace
Danger at Workplace
Insomnia in the Workplace
Jumping Accident
Ladder Falls at Work
Loading Dock Accident
Machinery Accident Workplace
Equipment Failure Accident
Mining Accident
Mold in the Workplace
Nail Gun Accident
Workplace Noise
Non Collision Accident
Heavy Objects
Opioid Use
Injury at Work Due to OSHA Violation
Overexertion Injuries at Work
Use of Pain Killers
Power Tool Injury
Inadequate PPE
Repetitive Motion Injuries in the Workplace
Mansfield Bar
Scaffolding Accident
Secondhand Smoke in the Workplace
Side Effects
Silica Exposure
Sleep Disorder
Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Stairs at Work
Struck by a Vehicle
Tar Fumes
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Toxic Fumes in the Workplace
Car Accident While Working
Trench Collapse
Trips at Work
Unsafe Working Conditions
Workplace Violence
Welding Injury
Winter Hazards in the Workplace
Working Shifts