Working around conveyor belts and track systems is the source of many common injuries in the workplace. It most cases of injury, employees injury their limbs particularly ankles, wrists, feet, and hands after getting caught up in the rollers of the conveyor belts or tracks. Conveyor systems and tracks that are not properly covered are one of the reasons these accidents happen.
Another common occurrence around conveyor belts happens when employees get their clothing caught in the moving belts. This has led to injuries ranging from broken bones to near strangulation. These accidents can be prevented by more attention to the proper attire required by the workforce. Loose clothing, scarves, and other dangling objects should not be worn in the work environment to prevent injuries and fatalities.
Training for employees working near conveyor systems should include not only information about proper, protective attire but also the proper protocol for working around moving systems. Care should be taken to train employees to properly load and unload products from conveyor systems and the caution necessary for avoiding falls or entrapment in the belts and tracks.
Adequate emergency conveyor belt training should also be a core part of an employee’s learning process. In the event the track or conveyor system malfunctions, there should be a protocol in place to cease operations before additional injuries result. With the typical heavy, bulk items traveling on the conveyor belt or track system can fall on workers if the system is not able to be stopped in time. Training on the appropriate measures to shut off machines is important in addition to staff training on how to properly repair the mechanisms to continue work operations.
If you have been injured due to a conveyor belt or track system malfunction in your workplace, contact our legal team for a free consultation. You can contact us toll free at 855-614-4351 or use our online contact form for more information.
