iron foundry that worker had his legs amputated

Emergency rescuers had to cut off the legs of a worker who became entangled in a piece of machinery because they said they had no other alternative in order to save his life. According to a news report, the incident occurred at a Southern California iron foundry. Paramedics who arrived at the scene stopped the victim’s bleeding and stabilized him, giving him fluids and pain medication before they made the decision to amputate his legs. Devastating work place injuries, like this one, occur every day and can lead to a Middletown workers’ compensation lawsuit.

Is Amputation Common In Work Related Injuries?

workplace related amputation

According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 20,000 workplace related amputations in the country each year. These are, no doubt, some of the most serious and debilitating workplace injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that amputations are widespread and involve a variety of activities and equipment.

Amputations occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded mechanical power presses, power press brakes, powered and non-powered conveyors, printing presses, roll-forming and roll-bending machines, food slicers, meat grinders, etc. Amputation injuries are also common while handling various materials and when using forklifts, doors, trash compactors and hand tools.

How Can Worker Safety Be Improved?

Machine guards and physical barriers to keep workers safeEmployers and other entities must be able to recognize, identify, manage and control amputation hazards that are commonly found in the workplace such as those caused by machinery. Work practices, employee training and administrative controls can help prevent and control amputation hazards. Machine guards that provide physical barriers to prevent accidents must be installed. The guards should be secure and strong and workers should not be able to bypass, remove or tamper with them.

The Fair Labor Standards Act has designated certain non-farm jobs as especially dangerous for employees under the age of 18. These workers are prohibited from operating band saws, circular saws, guillotine shears, punching machines, meat processing machines, woodworking machines and slicers.

Call Us For Help Today!

Middletown workers’ compensation lawyer meeting client who's legs amputated after work injuryWorkers who have suffered amputation of a limb or other body part can seek workers’ compensation benefits, which will help pay medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. The experienced Rhode Island workers’ compensation lawyers, here at d’Oliveira & Associates, fight hard for the rights of injured workers and their families. We charge no legal fees unless we obtain a settlement or award for you. Call us at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online, for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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