Rotating blades are, of course, very dangerous indeed. There are workplace regulations that focus on preventing employees from being injured due to sharp or dangerous blades in machinery. The specific regulations are called The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
So if you have been injured in these sorts of circumstances you may have a claim for personal injury compensation – so read on for some helpful advice.
A rotating blade can be classed as a ‘dangerous part of machinery’ and there is a specific heading for this under the work equipment regulations. I can quote you some parts of it which will show you that you may have a claim if you have been injured. Employers must:
- prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery
- stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone
The regulations go on to suggest the obvious solutions to preventing access to such dangerous parts, such as fixed guards and rails and ensuring staff are properly trained and supervised. Such measures should be effective and not easily bypassed.
Generally speaking there are a number of other provisions that are also important, such as ensuring that machinery has accessible stop and emergency stop controls for when something goes wrong; ensuring machinery can be isolated from sources of power where access is required to danger zones; and ensuring there are adequate safety warnings when there are potential dangers.
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations also put a duty on your employer to provide you with protective equipment, if suitable, to protect against certain hazards as well. So if you do have to access some dangerous parts and gloves will protect you, these should be provided.
Will I win a claim?
If we can prove that your employer is in breach of the rules and that this breach has resulted in the accident and injuries, then yes you should be able to make a winning accident at claim. Each case is of course different and the duty is on you as the injured victim to prove the case – but that is where we come in as our job is to fight for your rights to claim.
We can investigate a claim on an entirely no win, no fee basis. We can fight tooth and nail for the justice you deserve, so give us a call on 0800 634 7575 for advice today.
