Accidents in the workplace are not unheard of, and while some may be mild, some have the potential to cause gruesome injury or even loss of life. One such catastrophic accident is entrapment, where a worker becomes caught or trapped in machinery, equipment or other workplace structures.
Entrapment accidents can lead to grievous injuries, including descalping, amputations, crush injuries and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can cause severe physical trauma, long-term disabilities and, in the most tragic cases, fatalities.
Common risk factors for entrapment accidents
In the workplace, some of the common risk factors that contribute to entrapment accidents include:
- Lack of proper signage: Clear and visible signage should be prominently displayed to warn workers of potential hazards associated with machinery and equipment. This includes instructions on safe operating procedures and reminders to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Inadequate training: Workers who are not trained in the safe operation of machinery may inadvertently put themselves at risk by failing to recognize dangerous conditions or by not following established safety protocols.
- Improper machine guarding: Equipment that lacks appropriate safety guards or emergency shut-off switches can expose workers to moving parts, increasing the likelihood of entrapment.
- Poor maintenance practices: Machinery that is not regularly inspected and maintained can malfunction, leading to unexpected hazards that may trap workers.
- Cluttered or confined workspaces: Environments that are congested with equipment or materials can restrict movement, making it difficult for workers to escape if they become trapped.
- Failure to implement lockout/tagout procedures: Without proper lockout/tagout procedures in place, machinery may be inadvertently activated during maintenance or servicing, putting workers at risk of entrapment.
- Lack of protective wear: Failing to use appropriate personal protective equipment can exacerbate injuries in the event of an entrapment incident.
If you have been injured in an entrapment accident in the workplace, you may be able to pursue workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses and other damages.
