No matter what profession you are in, you need the right equipment to do your job properly, and your employer is responsible for supplying you with proper equipment in good working order.
Sometimes, equipment fails for a variety of reasons, and this can cause injury.
Here are some very common types of equipment failures, as well as ways to prevent them from occurring.
Construction Equipment Construction and maintenance companies use all kinds of equipment - everything from scaffolding and ladders, to safety harnesses and collapsible platforms.
They use power tools ranging from small hand drills and saws, to massive earth movers and big trucks.
All this equipment sees plenty of heavy use on a regular basis, and it is up to the employer to keep it in good working order.
Any equipment that shows signs of excessive wear should be replaced before a problem occurs, and every employee needs to know how to use his or her equipment properly.
Knowledge and prevention can help to keep you safe! Office Equipment Equipment commonly used in offices can cause injuries due to defective parts.
Chairs and computer desks can malfunction, or an employer might not be providing proper ergonomic tools for office workers.
In any case, it is again up to the employer to be certain that office equipment is in proper order, well maintained, and retired before it malfunctions and causes an injury.
Quality office supplies are costly, and some employers try to cut corners.
As an employee, you need to be aware that if you are injured in any way, as the result of malfunctioning equipment, your employer is responsible and you may have the basis for a claim.
Manufacturing Equipment Manufacturers rely on a combination of skilled workers and manufacturing equipment to make the products we all enjoy using.
Equipment used for manufacturing products of any kind needs to be well maintained, inspected on a regular basis, and consistently replaced when it starts to show excessive wear.
A manufacturing accident caused by faulty workplace equipment can cause a major injury, so employers would do well to ensure that every piece of equipment their workers rely on to get the job done is in proper working condition.
Kitchen Equipment Restaurants and employee cafeterias, as well as institutional food preparation settings, are full of equipment that can cause serious injuries if it malfunctions.
Sharp knives and blades of other kinds need to be properly stored and maintained, and workers should be well trained before they are allowed to handle professional slicers and other sharp equipment.
Grills and stoves pose a burn hazard, and they need to be maintained properly to prevent a gas line from blowing, or an electrical short from causing a preventable workplace injury.
It is up to the employer to ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained properly, and to be certain all kitchen workers are well trained.