Common Types of Factory Accidents

Factory work is labor-intensive and can be quite dangerous. Workers in these kinds of industrial settings are exposed to a number of hazardous materials and dangerous equipment on a daily basis. According to the Department of Labor, 5,333 workers died on the job in 2019. Though not all of those who died were factory workers, industrial laborers do make up a high number of those who are injured and suffer fatalities every year.

If you become ill or injured due to a workplace incident, you have a right to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. Workers’ comp is available to eligible workers, regardless of who was at fault. If you have questions or concerns about a workplace injury and benefits available to you, contact the Louisiana workers’ compensation attorneys at Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC.

Common Accidents That Occur in Industrial Factory Settings

Injuries and accidents in factory workplaces can happen for any number of reasons. Though employers and their workers have safety protocols to follow, sometimes things still happen—industrial factories are naturally dangerous settings. In some cases, there could be no one at fault, or in other situations, it could be due to employee or employer negligence. Luckily, workers’ compensation is available to workers without the need to prove fault.

Some of the most common accidents that occur in factories include:

Slips and Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace, especially in factories. Workers can slip and fall on spilled materials, liquids, and oils or trip and fall over objects lying around. It is also common for workers to fall from ladders or other elevated surfaces in industrial settings.

Machinery and Equipment Accidents

The use of heavy machinery and equipment is prevalent in industrial workplaces. These pieces of equipment and machinery can be very dangerous to work with and can cause devastating injuries if workers aren’t careful. You can get caught in machinery, or equipment such as forklifts can run over or fall on top of workers.

Overexertion

Overexertion accidents and injuries are common due to the labor-intensive nature of factory work. If workers are not properly trained to lift heavy objects or if they have been working long hours and are fatigued, they can easily strain and overexert themselves.

Falling Objects

Factories can be very busy and chaotic, with many objects being moved about, such as cargo shipments and inventory. If items are not handled or secured properly, they can fall and strike or even crush workers that are in the vicinity.

Hazardous Material Exposure

While exposure to chemical substances might seem odd for an industrial setting, it’s not. Factory workers handle various types of cargo and items, including those that contain toxic materials. When these objects break open and spill, they expose workers to harmful fumes, and if the chemicals come into contact with their skin, they can burn them. Some of these materials are also flammable and can cause explosions that can do even more harm.

Connect with an Experienced Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are injured as a factory worker, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help. Filing a claim for workers’ comp benefits can be challenging. In some cases, your claim may even get denied. An attorney can help you file any initial paperwork or an appeal if necessary to ensure you get the benefits you deserve to help cover the cost of medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Louisiana, contact Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC. After-hours visits are available.