Did You Know Conveyor Belts Are a Huge Safety Risk to Employees?
Do you use or work near conveyor belts in the workplace?
If yes, you must be careful as conveyor belts frequently cause different workplace injuries. These machines have powerful running parts that can trap a person and result in disabling injuries and even death.
Thus, you must read this article to know how to prevent conveyor belt accidents for your workplace safety. And to understand how to claim workers’ compensation if you sustain injuries from a conveyor machine.
Injuries from Conveyor Belts
Conveyor belts are machines with a continuous band of metal, rubber, or fabric running over roller supports. They carry and move different items from one spot to another within a facility. Good examples are baggage conveyors you usually see in airports and escalators in malls.
The thing is that conveyor belts can trap accessories, loose clothing, and even body parts. Thus, these machines frequently trap workers, pull them into the track, and cause injuries, like:
- Deep cuts
- Finger or limb amputation
- Bone fracture because of being crushed
- Head injury, including skull fractures and crushing of the whole head
As you notice, conveyor belt accidents may result in simple or fatal injuries. Thus, always be careful when using or working near conveyor machines and keep a few safety points in mind.
And don’t forget to hire a Burbank workers’ compensation attorney to claim benefits if you get work-related conveyor belt injuries.
Workers’ Safety Tips For Working With Conveyor Belts
1. Install Safety Points on the Machine
The conveyor belts should have enough safety features to prevent accidents, like:
- Safety guards to prevent the machine from trapping objects or body parts
- Emergency button to quickly stop the conveyor belt operation if needed
- Sufficient lighting in the workplace for better visibility
2. Proper Conveyor Belt Maintenance
Conveyor belts require regular maintenance to stay in good condition and prevent defects. It also keeps workers safe from falling or throwing off parts that could hit them and cause injuries.
3. Proper Employee Training Before Working
Workers must undergo intensive training before handling conveyor belts, including newly hired and reassigned employees. The training must include proper machine control and safety protocols that workers should follow.
4. Observe Correct Working Attire
As mentioned above, conveyor belts may trap loose clothing and lead to accidents. So, always observe these attire rules when working with the machine:
- Don’t wear loose clothing
- Keep accessories away, like necklaces, bracelets, and bags
- Tie long hair or wear a head gear like hairnets
Claiming Workers’ Compensation for Conveyor Belt Accident
The workers’ comp benefits will cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from work-related conveyor belt injuries. Here are the essential points to remember when claiming these benefits:
- Seek immediate medical intervention within 48 hours after the accident. Delaying your medical appointment could give the impression that your injury is insignificant.
- Hire the best Burbank workers’ compensation attorney to represent your case. They will guide you through the process and prove that you deserve the amount you claim.
- Collect vital evidence like medical reports, diagnoses, prescribed treatments, bills, and photos of the accident scene. These will support your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Burbank for Conveyor Belt Accidents
Conveyor belts are helpful but could also cause devastating injuries to workers that use them. So, remember the points above to prevent conveyor belt accidents in the workplace.
Moreover, remember to claim the rightful compensation if these machines injure you. A Burbank workers’ compensation attorney will help you with the benefits claim.