Rockford Industrial Accident Attorneys

Industrial accidents can be caused by negligent or reckless actions or by unsafe workplace conditions. Many are caused by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations. Common causes include:

• Lack of fall protection
• Equipment rollovers
• Vehicle and forklift overturns
• Being struck by heavy equipment
• Defective power tools and equipment
• Defective safety equipment
• Improperly following guidelines for the operation of equipment or machinery
• Lack of guarding on equipment and machinery
• Being caught in machinery or equipment
• Being crushed by a collapsing structure
• Improperly placed ladders
• Lack of respiratory protection
• Flawed electrical system design
• Hazardous electrical wiring methods
• Failure to meet hazard communication standards
• Toxic chemical exposure

Overall, industrial accidents are the result of three major issues:

• Taking shortcuts. Everyone wants to get work done faster. However, workers are vulnerable to injuries when employers, co-workers, or supervisors take shortcuts on the job. This is especially true in industrial workplaces, where machinery and chemicals are involved.
• Poor housekeeping. Work areas should be neat, clean, and well-organized. Clutter and disorganization lead to hazards and threats. Good housekeeping improves safety, so employers should focus on promoting clean workspaces.
• Neglecting safety procedures. Agencies like OSHA have specific safety guidelines that employers must follow. When employers fail to do so, this can result in serious penalties, as well as serious injury or death for employees.