Many workers in New Jersey get hurt on the job because of poorly maintained or unguarded machinery. Sometimes, insufficient training is to blame. Since even smaller machines can lead to serious injuries, employers will want to take the following five safety tips into account.
Machines like saws, lathes and rollers should be properly guarded. Examples of machine protection include carrier guards, light curtains and two-hand operating devices. These can prevent sparks, flying chips and rotating parts from causing burns, injuring the eye or catching limbs.
The second tip is for workers to always wear their personal protective equipment. Employers can conduct a hazard assessment to determine the necessary safety gear. PPE could include helmets, safety goggles, face shields, ear protection and gloves. Thirdly, employees should never interfere with machine operators as their concentration could be broken. They should also stay clear of moving parts.
Fourthly, business owners should provide training on machine safety. Someone already experienced with machinery can give the tutorials on how to operate the machinery. The last tip applies to unloading systems. Like all machinery, these are liable to malfunction, so employees should keep away from unloading zones to avoid a falling-object injury. Employers can put up signs marking the zones.
Those who incur on-the-job injuries could see a lawyer about filing a workers’ compensation claim. To receive the benefits, there is no need to prove that anyone was negligent. However, a victim does waive their right to sue their employer for the same incident if they decide to file. Legal counsel can help by hiring medical experts to show that the injuries all stem from the workplace accident. If the claim is denied, the victim can appeal.