Machinery Safety in the Workplace – Compensation Claims for Unguarded Machinery

In the industrial and manufacturing sectors, machinery is integral to productivity, but it also presents significant risks to workers. In England and Wales, machinery-related injuries are among the most common types of workplace accidents. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, hundreds of serious accidents are reported each year due to unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery.

This article will outline the duties of employers to guard machinery, explain the dangers of exposed moving parts, and guide workers on what they can do to recover compensation if injured on the job.

Statistics on Machinery Accidents in the Workplace

HSE data highlights that each year, machinery-related injuries contribute to thousands of incidents in the workplace.

In the most recent data available, there were over 12,000 non-fatal injuries and several fatal accidents in manufacturing and industrial settings, with a large percentage involving entanglement, crushing, or cuts from moving machinery parts.

Many of these accidents could have been prevented with proper guarding and safety protocols, underscoring the importance of employer compliance with safety regulations.

Employer Responsibilities for Machinery Safety

Employers are legally required to protect workers from hazards associated with moving machinery parts. This duty is outlined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the HSE’s specific guidance on machinery safety. To meet these obligations, employers must:

1. Install Proper Guards on Moving Parts: All dangerous parts of machinery, including gears, belts, pulleys, and blades, must be adequately guarded to prevent accidental contact. Guards should prevent any part of a worker’s body from coming into contact with dangerous machinery components.
2. Conduct Routine Inspections and Maintenance: Machinery should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that safety guards are functioning properly. Regular maintenance helps detect potential hazards and keeps the equipment in safe working order.
3. Provide Training for Safe Use: Employers are required to train all employees on the correct operation of machinery, including specific training on the importance of safety guards and how to avoid dangerous zones around moving parts.
4. Implement Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that machinery is properly shut off and cannot be started up again while maintenance or repairs are underway, protecting workers from accidental exposure to moving parts.

By following these protocols, employers create a safer working environment, significantly reducing the risk of injury related to unguarded machinery.

Common Injuries from Unguarded Machinery

Failing to guard machinery or neglecting safety protocols can lead to severe injuries, such as:

• Entanglement Injuries: Loose clothing, jewellery, or hair can become entangled in exposed moving parts, leading to injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe crushing or amputation.
• Crush Injuries: Body parts can be crushed or trapped in unguarded machinery, often resulting in fractures, nerve damage, or worse.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp moving parts, like blades and drills, can cause deep lacerations, which may result in permanent tissue damage.
• Ejections of Material: Some machinery can eject pieces of material or fragments if it is not properly enclosed, risking serious injuries to the eyes or face.

These accidents often have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on workers and their families. Many of these injuries, however, could have been avoided with proper guarding and safety measures.

Making a Workplace Injury Claim for Machinery Accidents

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from machinery at work, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are the steps to take if you have been injured:

1. Report the Incident: Notify your employer and ensure the injury is recorded in the workplace accident log. Accurate documentation of the incident is essential when filing a claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Prompt medical treatment will address your injuries and create an official record of the injury, which can support your compensation claim.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that may support your claim, such as photographs of the machinery and injury, witness statements, or any records that show the machinery lacked proper guarding.
4. Consult a Legal Expert: If your injury was due to your employer’s failure to guard machinery or implement safety procedures, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. This claim can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Costs associated with long-term care or rehabilitation

A legal professional experienced in workplace injury claims can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. In most cases, you may be able to pursue a claim on a no win, no fee basis.

Get Free, No Win, No Fee Advice for Your Workplace Injury Claim

If you have been injured due to unguarded machinery and are considering pursuing a compensation claim, our team is here to provide expert guidance. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and we operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can focus on your recovery without the worry of upfront legal costs.

Reach out to us today for personalised advice on your case and to understand how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve