Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC

Amputations

For employees working in construction and manufacturing, the risks of sustaining an amputation injury may be higher due to use of dangerous mechanical equipment and machinery in these industries. According to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), amputations are most common when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded machinery, mechanical equipment, and power tools.  Mechanical motions that involve rotating, reciprocating, traversing, cutting, punching, shearing and bending may increase the risk of a workplace amputation.

The proper installation of guards and devices to help prevent contact points with workers can be beneficial in preventing workplace amputation injuries. Proper training and safety information regarding the machines is also important. Unfortunately, amputation accidents may occur even when the worker takes all proper precautions.

In 2015 alone, 2,644 amputations had to be performed due to workplace injuries. Those in the manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and utility work are more likely to suffer workplace injuries causing or requiring amputations.

Common Causes of Amputations

According to OSHA, “Amputations occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded mechanical power presses, power press brakes, powered and non-powered conveyors, printing presses, roll-forming and roll bending machines, food slicers, meat grinders, meat-cutting band saws, drill presses, and milling machines as well as shears, grinders, and slitters. These injuries also happen during materials handling activities and when using forklifts and doors as well as trash compactors and powered and non-powered hand tools. Besides normal operation, the following activities involving stationary machines also expose workers to potential amputation hazards: setting up, threading, preparing, adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, and maintaining machines as well as clearing jams.”

If you have suffered an amputation injury on the job in Raleigh or throughout North Carolina, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, like Attorney John A. Hedrick.  Please contact us by telephone at 919-626-3895, email us at john@johnhedricklaw.com or complete our Free Claim Evaluation form.

Attorney John A. Hedrick has over 20 years of experience with Workers’ Compensation Law in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina.  The Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC provides every client with the personalized attention, guidance and legal counsel they deserve.

From our office in Raleigh, the Law Office of John A. Hedrick serves workers throughout North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Fayetteville, Wilmington and the surrounding areas.  If you have questions about your rights, please contact us for a free consultation and evaluation of your claim.

***OSHA Report: https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/amputation-factsheet.pdf

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