Construction sites can be dangerous places when there is a lack of safety measures and proper equipment use. Manual labor is a difficult job, often requiring the use of heavy machinery that can cause serious or fatal injuries when there is an improper use of machines, tools and other types of construction equipment. Some of the most significant risks associated with this type of equipment are related to caught-between or caught-in accidents.
Unguarded machinery, lack of supervision, failure to properly train workers and other lapses in safety can lead to detrimental consequences. In a caught-in or caught-between accident, a worker may have clothing or body parts caught inside or up against machines and equipment. The result can be serious or fatal injuries. In many cases, these incidents are avoidable with proper safety efforts and appropriate use of machinery.
Why do these types of accidents happen?
These types of accidents can happen for various reasons, and examples include standing in the swing radius of a crane arm, becoming stuck between equipment and a stationary object, pulled inside unguarded equipment and more. The use of any type of heavy equipment should follow training, a clear explanation of the task at hand and other necessary safety steps. Common reasons why caught-in or caught-between accidents happen include:
- Unguarded machinery: Body parts can become caught in equipment, or clothing can become stuck, potentially resulting in harm to or loss of a limb.
- Caught-between: Workers can become caught between any type of heavy equipment and a stationary object, such as a wall.
- Excavation work: Workers can suffer serious or fatal injuries if walls cave in, trenches collapse or other accidents occur.
- Caught-in: Workers could become stuck inside moving or heavy equipment from which they cannot remove themselves without assistance.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has clear procedures on how to avoid these types of accidents and keep construction workers as safe as reasonably possible when working near or with these types of machines.
Seeking recovery
If you suffered an injury on a Washington construction site, it is possible you are the victim of a preventable accident. A careful evaluation of your case could reveal if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, such as the manufacturer of faulty equipment or other party. These types of cases are time-sensitive, and your quick action could help you pursue the recovery you deserve.