Workplace injuries involving machinery present some of the most severe and life-changing risks for workers across various industries. From manufacturing plants to construction sites and warehouses, machinery is essential for many jobs. However, it also introduces significant hazards to employees. Workers who operate or are exposed to heavy machinery face an elevated risk of injury. Gloucester County workers who are hurt by machinery are entitled to compensation through the state’s workers’ compensation system, which provides vital financial relief for medical expenses and lost wages.
Workers injured by machinery may find themselves dealing with serious injuries that require extensive medical care, time away from work, and, in some cases, permanent disability. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a machinery-related accident, it’s essential to understand your rights under New Jersey law and the steps involved in the workers’ compensation process. Having legal support on your side ensures that your case is handled efficiently and that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Why Machinery Injuries Are So Common in the Workplace
Workplace machinery accidents can happen in a wide variety of industries, and they remain one of the most common causes of severe workplace injuries. These accidents often result from a combination of factors, including poor maintenance, inadequate safety protocols, and lack of training. Heavy equipment is used daily in industries like manufacturing and construction, and even the smallest error can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
In New Jersey, private industry employers reported 69,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data revealed a Total Recordable Cases (TRC) incidence rate of 2.4 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers in private industries. This is slightly lower than the national rate of 2.7, but not by much, as it still reveals how workplace injuries are common. Certain sectors, such as trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services, accounted for 63 percent of occupational injuries, further emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures around machinery.
Common Causes of Machinery-Related Injuries in New Jersey
Machinery accidents can occur in any workplace where heavy equipment is commonly used. Several factors can lead to an accident, from malfunctioning machines to improper operation. Common causes of machinery-related injuries in Gloucester County include:
- Inadequate safety measures. Some employers fail to implement proper safety protocols or do not adequately train workers to operate dangerous machinery. This can lead to accidents such as entanglements, crush injuries, or amputations.
- Defective equipment. Poorly maintained or faulty machinery can malfunction, causing injuries. A machine without proper safety guards or a system that suddenly powers on without warning can lead to serious harm.
- Lack of training. Employers are responsible for training workers to operate machinery safely. When workers aren’t given proper instructions or training, accidents increase.
- Fatigue or overwork. Many machinery accidents occur when workers are tired or overworked. Long shifts without adequate breaks increase the risk of mistakes.
These causes and other contributing factors demonstrate the importance of proper safety protocols in any environment where heavy machinery is present. Unfortunately, even with these measures in place, accidents can still occur. In 2022, the state of New Jersey recorded more workplace fatalities than in any year in nearly two decades, with 116 workers dying as a result of workplace injuries. Many of these deaths involved transportation-related incidents, but machinery-related accidents also accounted for a portion of these tragedies.
Examples of Machinery-Related Accidents Across Different Industries
Machinery-related accidents occur across various industries, each with its own set of equipment and safety risks. Below are examples from different sectors to highlight the dangers workers face when handling or being exposed to heavy machinery.
- Manufacturing. Workers often use heavy machinery in manufacturing plants, such as presses, conveyor belts, and forklifts. A common accident in this setting is when a worker’s hand or arm becomes caught in a conveyor belt due to malfunction or missing safety guards, leading to crushing injuries or amputations.
- Construction. Equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and power tools are frequently used on construction sites. A construction worker may be struck by a crane arm or crushed by a collapsing structure, often due to improper operation or malfunctioning machinery. Accidents involving earth-moving equipment like excavators can cause serious injuries, especially when operating in tight spaces around other workers.
- Warehousing and logistics. Forklifts, automated pallet jacks, and other material-handling machinery are essential in warehouses. Accidents in this sector typically involve workers being struck by moving forklifts, leading to broken bones or head injuries. Forklift rollovers are another common hazard, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities if operators are not adequately trained or the machinery is not well-maintained.
- Agriculture. Farmers and agricultural workers frequently use tractors, combines, and other large machinery to manage crops and livestock. Machinery-related accidents can occur when equipment overturns or when workers get caught in moving parts, leading to life-threatening crush injuries or amputations.
- Food Processing. Workers in food processing plants operate slicing machines, grinders, and other automated tools. If these machines are not properly maintained or if workers are inadequately trained, serious injuries, such as lacerations or amputations, can occur.
These examples illustrate the significant risks posed by machinery in various industries and the importance of adhering to safety protocols, training, and equipment maintenance.
5 Steps You Should Take After a Workplace Machinery Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured by machinery on the job, taking specific steps to protect your health and rights is essential. While the moments following an accident can be overwhelming, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a workplace injury can make a significant difference in your recovery and in your ability to obtain compensation.
- Seek immediate medical care. Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting medical attention right away ensures that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. This also provides documentation for your workers’ compensation claim.
- Report the accident to your employer. Inform your employer of the injury as soon as possible. In New Jersey, workers must notify their employer of workplace injuries within 90 days to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Waiting too long to report the injury can jeopardize your claim.
- Document the incident. If possible, gather information about the circumstances of the accident. Take photos of the machinery involved, the site of the accident, and any visible injuries. Obtain statements from any witnesses who saw the incident.
- File a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim. If they do not, or you encounter resistance, you should seek legal assistance immediately.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney. Machinery injuries are often severe and may involve long-term or permanent disability. Consulting with a lawyer ensures that your claim is handled properly and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the law.
At Petrillo & Goldberg, we understand the challenges Gloucester workers face in their everyday work. From operating heavy machinery to working near heavy machinery, an accident can occur at any moment. If you were injured while on the job, it’s best to speak with our team of personal injury attorneys. We will help determine the critical details of your work injury to help you apply for workers’ compensation benefits and, possibly, a personal injury claim.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Gloucester County Machinery Injuries
Workers injured by machinery are entitled to various benefits under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits help you cover medical expenses, replace lost wages, and support your recovery. If you are permanently disabled due to your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
The benefits available to injured workers include:
- Medical expenses. Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatments for your injury. This includes surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, and any other medical care required to treat your injury.
- Temporary total disability benefits. If your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits, which cover 70% of your average weekly wage while you recover.
- Permanent partial or total disability benefits. If your injury results in permanent damage, such as an amputation or paralysis, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are calculated based on the severity of your injury and how it affects your ability to work.
- Death benefits. If a worker dies due to a machinery-related injury, their family may be entitled to death benefits, which can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to dependents.
New Jersey’s 2022 workers’ compensation data highlights the dangers of workplace injuries. 44 percent of the state’s occupational injuries occur in industries like trade, transportation, utilities, and health services. Despite improvements in safety protocols, the incidence of injuries and fatalities in New Jersey workplaces underscores the importance of workers’ compensation.
How to Handle Cases Involving Gloucester County Employers Without Workers’ Compensation Insurance
In some unfortunate cases, an employer may fail to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance, leaving injured workers without the automatic coverage they need. If you find yourself in this situation, you still have options.
New Jersey law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, if an employer fails to meet this obligation, you can file a claim through the state’s Uninsured Employer’s Fund (UEF), which benefits workers injured by uninsured employers. Alternatively, you can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer. This is especially important in cases involving machinery-related injuries, which can lead to lifelong disabilities and overwhelming medical expenses. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial in these cases, as they can guide you through the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Workplace Machinery Injury
In machinery accidents, injuries are often catastrophic, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Understanding your legal rights and seeking legal representation to guide you through the process is essential.
At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, our dedicated team of workers’ compensation attorneys takes a shared approach to every case. This means that each legal team member handles different stages of your case, ensuring that you have support from pre-litigation development to representing you at trial, if necessary. We are committed to helping Gloucester County workers get the benefits they are entitled to and supporting them through recovery.
Have You Been Injured in a Workplace Machinery Accident in Gloucester County?
Workplace accidents are common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a major impact on your life. At Petrillo & Goldberg, we understand what’s at stake after a workplace accident, and we’re here to make sure that you don’t end up bearing the financial burden of a workplace accident. Our dedicated Gloucester County workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience connecting our injured clients to the benefits they need, deserve, and are legally entitled to. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 856-486-4343. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
