Working in an industrial setting carries with it a specific set of risks. Working with factory equipment is dangerous and requires employees to be properly trained in order to use the equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Of course, employees also expect that this equipment is in good working order, and that, if used properly, will not harm them. Unfortunately, factory equipment maintenance can be expensive and may often slide to the back burner for employers.
Importance of maintaining factory equipment
Today's equipment is designed to be long-lasting and efficient, maximizing the productivity of the factory. Employees who operate these machines must undergo proper safety training in order to use them effectively, and as long as they follow proper protocols, the machines should last for years to come. However, that does not negate the need for routine maintenance on all factory equipment.
It is the responsibility of the employer to create a maintenance protection plan for all equipment in the factory. In addition to creating a plan and identifying a routine maintenance schedule, the employer also must verify that proper maintenance work is completed accordingly. Failure to do so risks equipment malfunction, often resulting in serious injury to workers. .
Injuries and fatalities in industrial workplaces
During the course of the last century, workplace injuries and fatalities have diminished significantly. The rise in workplace safety standards and the prioritization of routine maintenance as well as the establishment of worker's unions have helped transform factories and manufacturing facilities into safe employment spaces.
Unfortunately, in some tragic circumstances, fatalities also occur at these workplaces. In Colorado during the year 2015, there were three deaths in the construction industry that resulted from contact with equipment or other objects on the work site. In total, there were four fatal injuries in the manufacturing industry.
While these deaths may not have occurred as a result of improper maintenance, it sheds light on the fact that these workplaces are more dangerous than non-industrial workplaces. Managers and corporate leaders must make every effort they can to prevent these injuries and fatalities, which means that routine maintenance of all equipment in the work space should be a top priority.
What to do if you're injured on the job
In the event that the injury occurred as a result of negligence on the part of management, it is possible that you may be able to seek additional damages in addition to workers' compensation benefits. After you have received treatment from your injury, contact a qualified attorney who is familiar with worker's compensation laws in Colorado. Filing a worker's compensation claim can be a complex process, and the right attorney will work with you to guide you through the legal system. Ultimately, your lawyer should provide you with a clear path that will ensure you get the compensation you both need and deserve at this difficult time.
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