Machine shop workers are often exposed to loud environments with many moving parts, increasing their risk of being injured at work.
Every year, workers across the country are injured while performing their work-related duties. Whether it’s a construction worker who falls from a ladder or a factory worker who is caught in machinery, these accidents can have devastating consequences.
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For workers in machine shops, the risks are particularly high. These environments are often loud and filled with moving parts, making it easy for an accident to happen. In this article, we will consider some of the most common injuries workers in machine shops face and what they can do to protect themselves.
Common Machines Found in Machine Shops
To get a better understanding of how a machine shop operates, here are some of the machines you’ll find:
- Lathes
- Milling machines
- Drilling machines
- Grinders
- Saws
As you can see, there are many different types of machines that workers must operate daily. And while these machines are necessary for production, they can also be very dangerous. Here are five common machine shop injuries and how to prevent them:
Cuts and Lacerations
Workers in machine shops are often required to use sharp tools and operate dangerous machinery. As a result, cuts and lacerations are some of the most common injuries these workers face. To protect yourself from this type of injury, always wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.
Eye Injuries
Another common hazard in machine shops is flying debris. If something hits you in the eye, it can cause serious damage. To protect your eyes, always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The noise level in a machine shop can be extremely loud. Over time, this noise can cause hearing loss. To protect your hearing, always wear earplugs or earmuffs when working in a machine shop.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
The repetitive nature of some tasks in a machine shop can lead to repetitive motion injuries. These injuries often occur in the hands, wrists, and arms and can be caused by tasks such as sanding or grinding. To protect yourself from this type of injury, take breaks often and stretch your muscles regularly.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
With all the moving parts in a machine shop, it’s easy for things to get knocked over. This can create a slip, trip, or fall hazard. To protect yourself, always keep your work area clean and free of clutter.
How Can You Protect Other Workers from Machine Shop Injuries?
In addition to protecting yourself, it’s also important to protect other workers in the machine shop. Some ways you can do this include:
- Using machines according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Reporting any hazardous conditions to a supervisor
- Following all safety rules and regulations
Speak With a Work Injury Lawyer
There are many hazards in a machine shop. And while you can take steps to protect yourself, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been injured in a machine shop accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Missouri work injury lawyer to ensure your legal right to compensation is protected. At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have over 30 years of experience and understand how to ensure the rights of injured Missouri workers are protected. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation.
Get FREE Legal Advice
Call today to speak with an experienced Missouri workers compensation attorney!
