Heavy Equipment Accidents
Almost every major construction site will use heavy industrial equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and heavy tractors. Unfortunately, the use of such industrial vehicles is also linked to hundreds of injuries and fatalities every year.
Injuries caused due to the use of heavy equipment and mechanized equipment are fairly common and can occur even if the equipment is being handled carefully by the worker.
Causes of Heavy Equipment Accidents
Lack of maintenance is a major cause of many industrial vehicle-related accidents every year. When cranes, forklifts, tractors, and trucks are not maintained properly, there is a chance that they will malfunction during use, causing injuries to the operator or worker. For example, many forklifts come with alert systems to warn workers about their approach. When these systems are broken down or not properly maintained, then a pedestrian worker may not receive a warning in time to prevent an accident.
If a piece of equipment is defective or needs fixing, it must be placed out of service until all repairs are completed. Placing equipment into service before repairs are completed can lead to injuries.
Another major cause of equipment-related accidents is the failure to train workers in the proper use of the equipment. Many accidents occur because workers are not trained to follow instructions related to the use of these vehicles. In other cases, injuries are caused because employers have failed to provide adequate supervision during the operation of these vehicles.
Prevention of Heavy Equipment Accidents
Many injuries every year involve heavy industrial vehicles and pedestrian workers. These injuries can be prevented by making sure that areas where forklift and trucks are being operated are kept free of pedestrian workers. If that is not possible, the operator of the equipment and the workers must have an effective communication system in place to warn workers about the risk of injuries. Employers must also invest in training operators and workers in preventing such hazards.
Peter Ventura is a Massachusetts work injury lawyer representing workers who have been injured in workplace accidents in the Worcester region and across Massachusetts.
If you have been injured as a result of a heavy equipment accident , Attorney Peter Ventura can investigate the facts of your case and pursue your legal rights against any and all responsible parties. To find out more about the ways in which a personal injury attorney with experience in heavy equipment accidents can help you recover financial compensation, contact the law firm of Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law for a free consultation.
Call 508-755-7535 to Discuss Your Case Personally with Attorney Peter Ventura.
More Information
Forklift Accidents & Injuries
Crane Accidents
Misuse of Tools Accident
