Common Causes of Amputations in the Workplace

Workplace amputations are among the most devastating and debilitating injuries, leaving workers with long-lasting emotional, physical, and financial impacts. While these types of injuries can happen in a variety of different industries, they are particularly common in high-risk environments such as manufacturing, construction, and warehousing. Oftentimes, these amputation accidents are preventable with the right safety measures, training, and equipment. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes of workplace amputations and how they can be prevented.

Human Error

One major contributor to workplace amputations is human error. Given the fast-paced and high-pressure environments in which these accidents typically occur, employees may inadvertently make mistakes due to factors such as stress, distraction, or fatigue. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have catastrophic consequences that lead to life-altering injuries and sometimes even death. Therefore, it is important that employers foster a culture that prioritizes safety over speed, as well as the mental health of employees. This includes encouraging regular breaks, setting realistic workloads, and providing stress management resources. 

Inadequate Training

Another factor that frequently contributes to amputations in the workplace is inadequate training. When employees are not properly trained to handle heavy machinery or work in high-risk environments, the risk of severe accidents increases significantly. Without sufficient and thorough instructions, workers may not be aware of proper procedures or be experienced enough to handle unexpected situations. Therefore, employers must invest in comprehensive training programs that equip their employees with the tools, knowledge, and resources to safely perform the duties of their job.

Defective Machinery

Defective or poorly maintained machinery also plays a significant role in workplace amputations. Equipment that malfunctions unexpectedly, due to either a design flaw or lack of maintenance, can cause accidents in an instant. Defective components, such as worn-out belts, cracked gears, or faulty sensors, may result in the machinery operating unexpectedly or failing to stop when needed. To prevent tragic accidents like these from occurring, employers should prioritize regular inspection, maintenance, and repair schedules. 

Improper Lockout/Tagout 

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are also vital in the workplace to safeguard employees from potentially hazardous energy releases. Doing so ensures that machinery is properly shut off and unable to start up unexpectedly during maintenance or repair work. When these procedures are either ignored or incorrectly followed, the risk of amputation injuries greatly increases. Therefore, employers should make sure that they train their workers on the proper LOTO procedures to ensure these critical safety measures are consistently implemented.

Recovering Compensation

If you have suffered an amputation as a result of a workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation, either through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. You may be able to recover damages for expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, or rehabilitation costs. A Los Angeles amputation attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim, handle negotiations, and protect your rights throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your journey to recovery.