Drill Press or Lathe Accidents

Have You Been Involved in a Drill Press Accident?

Los Angeles Harbor Machinery Accident Lawyer

It is very easy to get entangled in drill presses and lathes. The result can be deep cuts and missing fingers. Workers' Compensation claims provide some but hardly adequate compensation. Claims against the manufacturer for defects in the machinery can be maintained in addition to the Workers' Comp claim and provide realistic compensation for injuries.

Workers injured by drill presses and lathes are urged to contact a Los Angeles industrial machinery accident attorney.

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Common Causes of Drill Press Accidents

Drill press accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often stemming from improper usage, lack of maintenance, or mechanical failures. Below are some of the most common causes:

  • Lack of Proper Training: Insufficient training on how to operate a drill press can lead to misuse and accidents. Operators who are unfamiliar with securing materials or adjusting settings may put themselves at greater risk.
  • Loose Clothing or Jewelry: Loose clothing or jewelry can easily get caught in the rotating parts of the drill press. This can pull the operator towards the machine, causing severe injury.
  • Improper Clamping or Securing of Workpiece: Failing to properly secure the workpiece can cause it to spin or be ejected during drilling. This can result in the operator losing control and being injured by flying materials or the tool itself.
  • Using the Wrong Drill Bit: Using the incorrect type of drill bit for the material or task can cause the bit to overheat, bind, or break. A broken bit can create dangerous flying debris and increase the chance of losing control of the drill press.
  • Inadequate Maintenance: A poorly maintained drill press with worn-out or faulty parts can malfunction, leading to accidents. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent parts from failing during operation.
  • Improper Speed Settings: Operating the drill press at the wrong speed for the material can result in overheating, bit breakage, or loss of control. Adjusting speed settings based on the material being drilled is crucial for safe operation.
  • Failure to Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Not wearing proper PPE, such as safety goggles or gloves, exposes operators to hazards like flying debris and sharp objects. PPE is essential for minimizing the risk of injury while using the drill press.
  • Misalignment or Lack of Calibration: An improperly calibrated drill press can cause the bit to deviate from its intended path, leading to inaccurate drilling and potential breakage. Ensuring alignment and calibration can prevent these issues.
  • Overreach or Poor Body Positioning: Reaching too far or standing awkwardly while operating the drill press increases the risk of losing balance or control. Maintaining proper posture and positioning is important for safe machine operation.
  • Operator Fatigue or Inattention: Tired or distracted operators are more likely to make mistakes while using the drill press, such as failing to secure the workpiece or turning off the machine properly. Staying alert and focused reduces the likelihood of accidents.
  • Power Supply Issues: Electrical problems, such as using a damaged power cord or experiencing malfunctions, can lead to machine failure or electric shock. Ensuring the power supply is safe and functioning properly is essential for preventing these risks.

Claims for Lathe and Drill Press Accidents

Equipment with moving parts such as lathes and drill presses need to be fitted with guards to shield hands and clothing from moving parts. Missing safety guards can result in severed limbs. Lathes and drill presses should also be fitted with inaccessible or faulty shut-off switches. Failure to provide a guard or an accessible shut-off switch is a design flaw or, if faulty, a manufacturing flaw and grounds for suit.

Manufacturers also can also be liable for a failure to warn of these dangers. They have a duty to warn not to put hands near the equipment. Workers should be warned that loose clothing such as gloves, long sleeve shirts and long hair can get caught in the machine and cause serious injury.

Operators of drill presses should be warned the material drilled needs to be clamped down or it may spin cutting the operator. A warning buried in the instructions is not adequate. It must be prominent so the actual worker will see it clearly.

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An Advocate for You

Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation has the knowledge, experience and resources to assist clients seeking full compensation for drill press and lathe accident injuries.

Attorney David Shoop investigates the machinery involved for defects in the design, manufacturing and marketing. He evaluates failures to warn of risks. Once liability is established, the attorney vigorously pursues compensation for the worker for medical expenses, loss of income, any permanent injury and pain and suffering.

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