Amputation injuries at work can happen for many reasons such as a vehicle accident, being caught or trapped in machinery or equipment, a fall from a high height. The loss of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or toe is life-altering for anyone. Many workers who suffer an amputation need surgery to help limit the physical damage. Victims sometimes suffer pain for the rest of their lives. Many workers who suffer an amputation need psychological counseling and therapy. Most require prosthetics to be able to walk or regain some function in the area of the missing limb. These prosthetics, as well as the supplies that enable them to function properly, entail ongoing costs that the employer and workers compensation insurance carrier will be responsible for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Amputation Coalition<\/a>, a doctor supported nonprofit, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data has found that most \u201cworkplace amputations occur because of unguarded machinery, lack of adequate training and appropriate practices and procedures to safeguard employees.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their findings also show that 1 out of every 20,000 workers suffers a workplace amputation. The incidence rate for amputations in certain professions is higher:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers should work with OSHA to help implement safety protocols. Regular inspections should be conducted. The following hazards should be reviewed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to OSHA<\/a>, some of the machines that cause amputations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amputations also occur when workers work with forklifts, trash-compactors, and various types of hand tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The injuries can occur during cleaning, lubricating, preparing, threading, and maintaining the machines and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following types of mechanical components are considered the most dangerous:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While all mechanical motion is considered dangerous, some of the most common hazards include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n OSHA provides standards that employers should follow to address the danger of amputations at work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other OSHA regulations cover maritime work<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the key ways to safeguard machines that OSHA recommends are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n New machines should come with safeguards already installed. The employer can also buy safeguards or install them before use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workers under 18 are banned from operating certain types of machines due to their inherit dangers. The bans include \u201coperating band saws, circular saws, guillotine shears, punching and shearing machines, meatpacking or meat-processing machines, paper products machines, woodworking machines, metal forming machines, and meat slicers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to filing a North Carolina or Virginia workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> claims, workers have additional rights according to OSHA. The best course of action is to prevent the amputation in the first place. If amputation injuries do occur, then experienced work injury lawyers can help the amputee get all the medical help, wage benefits, and other benefits that law allows. Our team at the Work Injury Center has represented, and continues to represent several clients with amputation injuries.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n These additional workers\u2019 rights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia and North Carolina Workers\u2019 Compensation Attorney Joe Miller Esq. knows how traumatic the loss of an arm, leg, or any body part is. For over 30 years, we\u2019ve helped thousands of injured workers get the full compensation they deserve. We work with your doctors and other health care providers to understand whether prosthetics or other medical advances are an option. We fight to get your full wage loss and medical benefits. When appropriate, we also seek payment for disfigurement and loss of function. To speak with an experienced North Carolina and Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer, call lawyer Joe Miller at 888-694-1671<\/a><\/strong>. or fill out my contact form<\/a> to schedule an appointment. Amputation injuries at work can happen for many reasons such as a vehicle accident, being caught or trapped in machinery or equipment, a fall from a high height. The loss of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or toe is life-altering for anyone. Many workers who suffer an amputation need surgery to help limit the … <\/p>\nCommon dangers that can cause an amputation<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
OSHA regulations<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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