Protecting yourself and other workers from machine shop injuries

Machine shops are some of the most dangerous worksites, but many of the risks associated with these businesses are completely avoidable if everyone on the job takes the necessary precautions. These are a few of the most common injuries that happen at machine shops in North Carolina.

Distraction

The types of machine shop accidents that lead to workers’ compensation tend to happen when employees aren’t paying attention, whether it’s due to a lack of discipline, poor training, sleep deprivation or intoxication. Using cell phones and having earbuds in is often prohibited while working these types of jobs because of how hazardous these technological distractions are known to be.

Exposure to chemicals

Chemical hazards may also come into play in a machine shop setting. Although some employees wear protective gear to safely complete work tasks, this is often not enough to prevent exposure to toxic substances.

Poor ventilation becomes a risk when welding is part of the job. Anything that involves finishing, grinding, or machining, in general, requires adequate ventilation.

The right tool for the right job

Hand tools are another common culprit for workplace injuries in machine shops. These accidents may be caused by choosing the wrong tool, handling it incorrectly or failing to use proper protective gear. The risk of an injury-causing accident requiring workers’ comp increases significantly when the equipment isn’t properly maintained. Common tools that cause injuries at machine shops are:

• Grinders
• Sanders
• Saws
• Drills

Whenever workers are handling material on the job, repetitive strain injury is extremely common. This may be caused or aggravated by environmental conditions, and the longer a person does the job, the worse it gets. Things like having to be in awkward positions or prolonged exposure to vibrations can lead to repetitive strain injury.

Failure to act occurs when people don’t know the proper channels to report injuries or are afraid of speaking up. This often leads to the work injury being exacerbated. It might be because they don’t want to risk getting fired or other disciplinary action. Workers should report an injury as soon as possible so the employer can correct any safety hazards and so the worker can get compensation while they recover.