Conveyor Belt Accident Claim *
A conveyor belt is used to process large quantities of items at a quick pace. They can commonly be found in warehouses, factories, supermarkets and airports. In general, conveyor belts are very safe but accidents can still happen if health and safety regulations are not met. Those using them also have a responsibility to ensure that they are using them in a safe manner.
Employers Liability
In general, conveyor belts are used in working environments by those in factories and supermarkets. Employers have a duty of care to their staff to ensure that they keep all tools and machinery in a good working condition that is safe for their employees to use. If employers do not follow regulations accidents can happen and employers will be liable for any injuries sustained. They need to ensure that they carry out frequent maintenance checks and provide the correct training to those who will be working with them.
Common Injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Breaks and fractures
- Injuries to fingers and hands
- Head injuries
- Bruising
- Crush Injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle Damage
- Loss of limbs
- Damage to blood vessels
- Fatalities
- Burns and abrasions
- Degloving Injuries
- This is when the skin on your finger is pulled from the bone and nerves. This can happen if fingers get caught in the conveyor belt while it is in operation.
Causes
- Defective parts
- Lack of training
- Failing to secure moving parts
- Failing to carry out maintenance and repairs
- No safety guards in place
- Failing to follow regulations
- Overloaded
- The speed of the belt is too fast to keep up with
- Improperly assembled
- Items falling from the belt
- Repairing the belt while it is in operation
Accident Prevention
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent any conveyor belt accidents from happening. This includes;
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Training
- It is important that all those who will be working with or near a conveyor belt have had the correct training. This means that they will know how to use the belt properly and will know what to do if an accident occurs.
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Lockout Policies
- A lockout policy is used to ensure that all conveyor belts are locked at their power source when not in operation. This means that if anybody was to carry out repairs on the belt that it will be locked and an accident cannot happen. All staff members should be notified of the lockout procedure at the start of their employment.
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Machine Guards
- Machine guards should be put in place so as to ensure that nobody can be injured while working with a conveyor belt. Belts that are not fitted with guards put people more at risk of being injured while at work.
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Maintenance
- It is important that regular maintenance checks are carried out on all machinery in the workplace. Any problems should be fixed as soon as possible so as to avoid any further issues or serious accidents. Employers are required to carry out frequent risk assessment checks so that they can identify and eliminate any hazards.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE
If you would like to find out more information on this topic feel free to contact our workplace accident solicitors * on 01 649 9900 or mail ask@traceysolicitors.ie.
With over 30 years’ experience, Tracey Solicitors ensure not to overwhelm you with legal jargon and can provide you with legal advice and guidance with your best interest at heart, in a language that you can understand.
