Common Causes of Industrial Accidents

An industrial accident can be devastating for workers, their families, and the surrounding community. It is important to understand what causes these accidents so they can prevent them from happening in the future. Below, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyer explains the most important causes of industrial accidents.

How Does the Atmosphere Cause Industrial Accidents?

The very atmosphere within a workplace can often cause industrial accidents. The main causes of these are as follows:

• Insufficient lighting:Lighting may not seem all that important when it is working properly and when there is enough light in the workplace. Insufficient lighting, though, can cause slips, falls, and other accidents that result in serious injury.
• Ambient temperature: Again, when the temperature is comfortable, workers may not give it a second thought. However, overheating is very common in industrial spaces because the machinery can emit a great deal of heat, and the physical work can be very hard. If a workplace is too cool, it can also result in hypothermia or frostbite.
• Contaminated air: When a workplace is not properly ventilated, the air can become contaminated. Breathing in this contaminated air can cause issues with the respiratory systems of workers.
• Noise: With heavy machinery, large equipment, and a number of workers in industrial spaces, it can become very noisy. Certain workers should always have proper ear protection in place to ensure they do not become injured.
• Hazardous materials: Industrial spaces often contain toxic chemicals and substances and can have long-term health effects if they are not properly handled. In the worst of cases, exposure to hazardous materials can result in death.

How Do Machines Cause Industrial Accidents?

Mechanical issues can lead to the breakdown of machinery and equipment, resulting in an accident. Generally speaking, these types of accidents are preventable when appropriate safety and support systems are in place. Some of the most common causes of these types of accidents are as follows:

• Damaged or defective machinery: When machinery and equipment are made with low-quality materials, it can easily become damaged or may be defective even when it is brand new.
• Power issues: Power failures and power surges can cause serious injuries such as shocks and electrocutions.
• Blasts and fires: Fires are often required in industrial workspaces to keep broilers and other equipment running. Hot surfaces can also contribute to blasts and fires. Not only will industrial workers suffer serious burns if they come into contact with a blast or fire, but they can sustain other serious injuries, as well. Smoke inhalation and inhaling toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, are just two of these.
• Worn machinery: As machinery and equipment ages, the parts that make them function can become worn and break down. This can result in very serious injuries such as crushed bones, amputations, and more.

How Do Employers and Employees Cause Industrial Accidents?

Mistakes made by employees and employers can cause a very serious industrial accident. Some of the most common human errors that result in industrial accidents include:

• Negligence: There are many negligent acts that cause industrial accidents. Employees may not communicate with each other, or employers may not provide sufficient training. This can result in accidents with machinery and equipment that cause some of the most serious injuries. Unkempt workspaces can also result in slip and fall accidents and result in strains, sprains, fractures, bumps, cuts, and scratches.
• Fatigue: Industrial work is very hard physical labor. Workers can easily become tired, which may result in mistakes being made. Even a small mistake can cause serious injuries, such as crushed bones and traumatic head injuries. Workers should always make sure they are fully rested before working, and employers must provide them with sufficient breaks to prevent fatigue.
• Dehydration: Due to the difficult conditions industrial employees work in, it is easy for them to become dehydrated. Employers should always make sure workers have sufficient access to water and other fluids to prevent dehydration. When a person becomes dehydrated, they may suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Our Industrial Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help After Injury

There are many common causes of industrial accidents. If you have been hurt, it is important that you identify what caused your accident so you know how to move forward and obtain compensation. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyers can advise you of your legal rights and make sure they are protected so you can receive the full compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.