Machine Guarding and Preventing Amputations in Manufacturing

The loss of a finger, hand, arm, or other body part in a manufacturing accident is a life-altering tragedy that forever changes how you work, live, and interact with the world around you. Despite clear regulations requiring proper machine guarding and safety protocols, thousands of preventable amputation injuries occur each year.

If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation injury due to inadequate machine guarding or safety failures, you need to understand both your immediate rights and your options for securing your financial future.

Contact a work injury lawyer in Denver today at (303) 785-2828.

Common Causes of Manufacturing Amputation Injuries

Manufacturing environments contain numerous hazards that can lead to amputation injuries when proper safety measures aren’t in place. Most of these injuries could be prevented with proper machine guarding, regular maintenance, and comprehensive safety training programs.

Some of the common causes of amputations include:

• Unguarded moving machine parts, including conveyor belts, chain drives, and power transmission equipment
• Point of operation hazards on machinery like power presses, metal forming equipment, and cutting tools
• Lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance and repair operations
• Missing or inadequate emergency stop devices on dangerous equipment
• Improper training on machine operation and safety procedures
• Removal or bypass of existing machine guards for faster production
• Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance or worn equipment

OSHA Machine Guarding Requirements and Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets comprehensive requirements for machine guarding to protect workers from amputation. Every machine that could potentially cause injury must have appropriate guards or safety devices installed to prevent accidents. These guards must protect operators from all hazards, such as rotating parts, pinch points, and flying debris.

Machine guards must be secured to the machine whenever possible and constructed so they cannot create additional hazards. They must prevent operators from placing any part of their body in the danger zone during operation.

Certain machines require specialized guarding requirements. For example:

• Revolving drums and barrels must have interlocked enclosures that prevent operation unless guards are in place.
• Fan blades positioned less than seven feet above floor level need guards with openings no larger than half an inch.
• All machines designed for fixed locations must be anchored to prevent movement during operation.

Employers must conduct thorough assessments to identify all machinery that requires guards, implement appropriate protective measures, and provide comprehensive training to workers. This training must cover proper machine operation, the purpose and function of guards, and what to do if guards are damaged or missing.

Workers’ Rights After an Amputation Injury in Colorado

If you suffered an amputation injury while working in manufacturing, you deserve justice. Colorado law allows injured workers to pursue claims through the state’s workers’ compensation system, which provides essential benefits for people hurt on the job. These claims can help cover necessary medical treatment, including surgeries, prosthetic devices, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Workers can also receive temporary disability benefits while they are unable to work and permanent disability benefits based on the severity of their amputation.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim alone can be challenging, especially while you are trying to adapt to a new normal. This is where a Denver workplace injury attorney can help. A lawyer can help you complete the required paperwork, calculate the full value of your potential benefits, and even explore third-party claims if someone else’s actions caused your amputation.

To learn more about your legal options, contact a lawyer right away for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call (303) 785-2828 or contact us online.