Heavy equipment operators risk injury at the job site every day. Workers’ compensation is crucial in providing the necessary support and assistance to workers injured on the job.
The construction accident lawyer is vital in protecting the interests of a worker injured in a heavy equipment accident. Apart from navigating the complex legal processes, the legal expert also sees to it that the victim is given a fair amount of compensation for their injuries.
Let’s look at the importance of worker compensation in heavy equipment accidents at work.
Heavy Equipment Accident at Workplace Statistics in Atlanta, Georgia
Workers near big moving trucks and older machines, like those who work in factories with heavy presses, are in greater danger of getting worse injuries than others.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor is responsible for regularly monitoring machines that cause heavy equipment accidents, as per the guidelines.
Research revealed that approximately 400 fatalities per year are linked to the cases of traffic accidents. Among the wide range of jobs in the construction industry, more fatalities are caused by accidents involving dump trucks than any other jobs, with about 15 accident victims reported each year.
OSHA, which is the government agency in charge of workplace safety, says that these were the numbers from 2017 data, in which 917 of the 4,674 people who died while working in private industry were construction workers. Falls were the leading cause of these deaths, with 381, then the accidents where the object hit them in rapid succession (like a falling object) at 80, electrocution at 71, and entrapment between things which is also known as being caught in or between things at 50.
Dangerous Types of Heavy Machinery at Work
The specific types of heavy equipment in Atlanta, as in the other cities, are some of the significant hazards for the workers and can end up causing heavy equipment accidents.
Some common ones include:
Forklifts
Forklifts are used to lift and move heavier loads. Accidents are attributable to inappropriate operations, cargo overloading, or inadequate training.
Cranes
Cranes are handy for lifting and moving heavy and bulky objects. Crane collapses may be caused by structural failures, overload situations, or human error.
Excavators
These machines are for digging and transferring earth and materials. Excavators could cause accidents due to rollovers, contact with the utilities beneath their surface, or being struck by the excavator’s arm.
Bulldozers
Bulldozers are employed for pushing, leveling, and moving enormous amounts of earth and other materials. Accidents with bulldozers can be associated with the rollover, collision, or striking by the bulldozer’s blade.
Backhoes
Backhoes are multifunctional tools designed for excavation, lifting, or loading operations. Accidents of this kind are possible due to overturning, colliding with underground utilities, or getting the backhoe’s arm stuck.
Skid-steer Loaders
These mini beasts can perform many functions, including digging, lifting, and loading. Collisions related to skid-steer loaders might result from rollovers, being entangled in a moving machine, or being struck by their tool attachments.
Employers must ensure workers who control or are near big machines get the proper training, maintenance, and safety protocols to avoid accidents or injuries.
As in any other city, heavy equipment accidents in Atlanta can be caused by various undefined reasons. Let’s examine what factors contribute to these accidents.
1. Operator Error
Accidents might result from equipment operators’ lack of proper training, mind diversion, tiredness, or carelessness.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Equipment can deteriorate, causing the machine to malfunction and bring about incidents such as brake failure, hydraulic leaks, or structural faults.
3. Unsafe Working Conditions
Obstacles like inappropriate lighting, uneven terrain, or obstacles in the workplace can raise hazards using heavy machinery.
4. Lack of Communication
Lack of effective communication between equipment operators, spotters, and other workers on the site may result in collision, entrapment, or other accidents.
5. Overloading
Overloading heavy equipment, when used beyond its rated capacity, can result in cycling, side tilt, or structural failure.
6. Inadequate Safety Procedures
Lack of compliance with safety standards, for example, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or establishing traffic control, can make accidents more probable.
7. Environmental Factors
Inconvenient weather conditions like rain, snow, and high winds may lead to malfunctioning heavy equipment, resulting in accidents if not managed appropriately.
8. Inexperience
Inexperienced or those unfamiliar with the specific equipment they operate may be more likely to get injured.
Comprehensive training, regular equipment inspection, effective safety communication protocols, and adherence to safety laws can reduce the risk of heavy equipment accidents in Atlanta.
Compensation for Workers Injured or Killed by Heavy Equipment Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
After a heavy accident involving heavy equipment in Atlanta, workers who sustained injuries or died may be eligible for compensation for their losses or injuries. This can include reimbursement expenses for medical care, lost income, disability benefits, and other related fees.
Fatal incidents may be included in compensation as a percentage of funeral expenses and other expenses, as well as financial support.
Atlanta worker comp lawyer becomes particularly relevant when dealing with injured workers or their families to sift through the legal process and ensure due compensation.
They propose various legal options, collect proof for the claim, negotiate with insurance companies or employers, and, as needed, act as trial lawyers.
Their competencies grant them the privilege of ensuring that an injured worker gets fair compensation and that his rights are protected during office procedures.
Workers’ compensation settlements differ in terms of their type and amount. Here’s what you can qualify for in a heavy equipment accident.
1. Permanent total disability encompassing a situation where a person can no longer work for any employer, current and future.
2. Completely and permanently disability, meaning a continuing injury that will somewhat limit your working capabilities.
3. Temporary total disability, during which you cannot work for a specified time.
4. Temporary partial disability, meaning a limitation of performing certain job functions only for a limited time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, workers who were involved in heavy machinery accidents in Atlanta face varied challenges, including damages that could be either temporary or permanent. Being familiar with how workers’ compensation settlements can be reached plays an essential role in the effective recovery of the affected individuals.
With proper legal advice and support, injured workers can obtain the required compensation, address their injuries and losses through rehabilitation, and eventually return to work.
