Common Types of Factory Accidents

Posted on December 27, 2021 in Workplace Injury

Workplace injuries often lead to significant financial setbacks for victims. This is particularly true for accidents that occur inside factories. Here, we want to discuss the most common types of factory accidents that occur in Oregon. The reality is that accidents involving factory jobs often result in severe injuries or even death for workers. Data available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 5,333 total workplace fatalities across the country during the latest reporting year. Many of these fatalities occurred in high-risk occupations, including factory work.

Equipment and Machinery Accidents

One of the hallmarks of factory work is the fact that there will be heavy equipment moving around the floor of the factory at all times. Machinery is crucial to ensuring factory efficiency, but it can also be dangerous for workers. Factory workers can become tangled in equipment, or they could get caught in between heavy objects. One of the most dangerous pieces of machinery in a factory is a forklift. Data from the Bureau Of Labor Statistics show that thousands of individuals sustained injuries as a result of forklift incidents over a recent six-year period.

Failure to Maintain Equipment

It is crucial for factory supervisors and owners to ensure that all equipment is properly maintained. When an employer tries to save money by putting off maintenance of equipment, the workers will inevitably suffer the ill effects of these decisions. Maintenance issues are dangerous, regardless of whether they involve poorly maintained vehicles, machinery, or even the building itself.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, especially in larger factories where a significant number of hazards may be present. Slip and fall accidents can occur due to unsafe facility design, uneven flooring, spills of supplies or food and drink, dusty surfaces, and more. Slip and fall accidents are particularly dangerous when an individual falls and hits their head.

Fatigued Workers

It is not uncommon for factory workers to operate long hours, day after day. This can lead to workplace fatigue. Fatigued employees are much more likely to make mistakes. Some studies have shown that being tired in the workplace has similar effects on workers as alcohol or drug impairment. Fatigue slows down reaction times and takes a person’s focus off of safety.

Unsafe Lifting Procedures

Factory workers often have to lift heavy equipment. Employers are responsible for ensuring that there are enough workers to handle any heavy lifting as well as making sure that workers have the correct equipment for lifting heavy objects. Under no circumstances should any employee be expected to risk an injury because they have to maneuver heavy equipment around the factory floor.

Chemical Exposure

Many factories use various types of chemicals. These chemicals could be a part of a production process, or they could be used to clean the facility. Exposure to chemicals is a serious risk for workers. Any person who has to operate around chemicals should have proper protective equipment at all times.

Falling Objects

Most factories have high ceilings, high walkways, or high shelves. Any object that falls from heights could lead to significant injuries for employees on lower levels. Employers and supervisors must ensure that all higher items are properly secured throughout every area of the factory.

Contact our Portland workplace injury attorneys today.