If you operate heavy equipment, the chance of becoming a fatality is increased than when you work in other industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 400 heavy equipment operators lose their lives annually in the construction and industrial trades. Therefore, if you have sustained any injury, either from operating the equipment or coming into contact with the machines, you should consult with a heavy equipment specialist in the personal injury field. Many people are entitled to compensation.
Why Injuries Continue to be a Problem
Heavy equipment is used in the construction trade to build houses or bridges. It may be employed in manufacturing plants to transport products for shipping or stocking. Landscapers or landfill personnel may use the machines for moving dirt around or for digging trenches.
The frequency of getting involved in heavy equipment accidents is on the rise, given that the equipment is needed regularly in various venues in the manufacturing and building sectors. Use of the machinery is required on a recurring basis for the building of new homes, the repair of infrastructures, and for the installation of pipes.
Types of Heavy Equipment
Some of the heavy equipment used for these purposes include:
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Loaders
- Graders
- Backhoes
- Concrete Mixers
- Cherry Pickers
- Logging Equipment
- Compactors
When a heavy equipment accident occurs, it normally is due to the following reasons:
- The equipment has not received adequate maintenance or service. Unauthorized repairs can also make heavy equipment hazardous to operate.
- Blind spots can affect operators using heavy machinery. For example, the equipment may be too large for the operator to see behind them while he or she is backing up. Also, a cracked or dirty window can make a machine difficult to use.
- If the operator uses the equipment improperly (because of insufficient training), a mishap is often the ultimate result.
- A manufacturing defect can lead to an accident as well.
If you want to avoid an accident with heavy machinery, you need to receive adequate training and make safety your highest priority. While operators need to get their work done and have timelines they need to meet, they still have to take precautions, even when working on a deadline. Don’t ever downplay the importance of safety.
Contact a Lawyer about Your Heavy Equipment Injuries
When operating heavy machinery, you need to use common sense and discernment. Should you get injured while using the equipment on the job, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in heavy equipment personal injury matters. Doing so will help you determine negligence and assist you in getting a fair settlement for a legitimate claim.
