What causes conveyor belt accidents at work in Scotland?
Conveyor belts are handy pieces of equipment to have in the workplace. They are there to help move objects quickly and efficiently from A to B in the factory, often used as part of a manufacturing line to process goods. As useful as they are, conveyor belts can also be quite dangerous, causing countless accidents at work in Scotland every year. Often, the outcome of these accidents can prove serious, and sometimes fatal.
What are the causes of conveyor belt accidents?
Using conveyor belts in the factory can help to get the work done quickly, and aid in reducing manual handling accidents often associated with lifting and carrying loads. However, conveyor belts are also the cause of serious injury if not used correctly. Some common causes of conveyor belt accidents at work in Scotland include:
- incorrect maintenance of the conveyor belt
- overloading the conveyor belt
- poor employee training
- employee fatigue as a result of not receiving adequate breaks from work
- incorrect of lack of safeguards on the conveyor belt
Being involved in a conveyor belt accident at work can have serious effects on your health. In some scenarios, employees can be crushed by objects falling from a conveyor belt, or risk being pulled into the belt because of clothing or hair getting caught in the moving machine. Common injuries associated with conveyor belt accidents include arm, wrist and hand injuries, sometimes leading to amputation as part of recovery. In more serious cases, accidents of this type can also prove fatal.
Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes providing sufficient training, regular breaks and suitable PPE for the job. If your employer has failed in this regard, and you have been injured in an accident at work in a factory, you are entitled to claim compensation.
How long does a personal injury claim take?
The duration of a personal injury claim can vary widely. A straightforward accident claim can take a matter of weeks, whereas more complex cases can take longer. Factors affecting the time it takes to complete a claim include:
- The type of injury
- How the injury was sustained
- Time taken to gather evidence
- Whether the identity of other parties is known
How can I claim for an accident at work in Scotland?
Usually, you have three years following your accident in which to make a claim for compensation, however, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at work in Scotland, our expert personal injury lawyers can help. We offer straightforward legal advice, without the jargon. Get in touch by calling us on 0131 555 7055, or by filling out the form below.