Work-Related Injuries from Defective Tools & Equipment in Colorado

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over 2.8 million injuries and fatalities happen on the job each year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations to protect employees, and these federal laws should protect you from bad machinery and defective equipment.

But accidents happen. Worse, some employers try to take shortcuts by not properly inspecting machinery and equipment on a regular basis, resulting in a serious workplace injury.

In Colorado, workers have the right to safety in the workplace, which means that employers are obligated to check equipment and perform routine maintenance to ensure employee safety. If you know that corners were cut and there is unsafe or defective equipment on your jobsite, then it’s your responsibility to report it. If you or a loved one were injured due to defective equipment, then you may qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation for defective equipment in Colorado

Many Colorado employers check equipment and maintain tools as required, but there are always those companies that are willing to jeopardize the safety of their employees in order to cut corners. Faulty machines and tools can lead to accidents that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. It’s even more egregious if equipment was reported as faulty, yet the employer allowed its continued use, which ultimately led to a work-related injury.

In Colorado, you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from your employer when defective equipment causes you or a loved one serious injury. In addition, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the faulty tool or equipment in a third-party lawsuit if a defect or fault is found. It’s best to talk to a lawyer who can determine who is at fault for the faulty equipment and file a claim quickly to recoup your losses from an injury.

Types of faulty equipment in the workplace

Every industry uses a variety of tools and equipment that require routine maintenance and repairs. If you work with power tools, or around electrical equipment and heavy machinery, then it’s important to protect yourself at all times.

Here are some common examples of industrial equipment and tools that cause injuries on the job:

• Bladed tools (such as meat slicers, power saws, pneumatic nail guns and other sharp tools)
• Work vehicles (such as forklifts and dump trucks)
• Industrial equipment (such as power presses, conveyor belts and manufacturing supply equipment)
• Power tools
• Ladders and scaffolding

Common work injuries caused by defective equipment

There are serious consequences for employers when faulty equipment causes an injury. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with workplace accidents caused by faulty equipment:

Examples of defective equipment and tools

If any tools or equipment led to your injury, then you must report it in your claim. Here are a few of the defects and problems commonly covered by workers’ compensation:

What to do with faulty equipment

If you suffer an injury, you should report it to your supervisor right away. Then, the faulty equipment should be repaired, or the equipment should be taken off the line immediately.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself, both legally and physically:

• Provide a description of the defect or problem occurring with the equipment in your accident report, and request maintenance or repairs.
• If equipment is too dangerous, take photos or video of the defective equipment.
• Wear safety gear around the equipment.

Were you injured by faulty equipment at work in Colorado? We can help!

If a loved one suffered a catastrophic or fatal injury because of an accident involving faulty equipment, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contacting an experienced Denver workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is always recommended, as they can help gather and preserve the evidence needed for a successful claim.

At Babcock Tucker, we know how overwhelming a work injury can be, but we’re here to simplify the process so you can get the benefits you deserve. We’ve helped many injured workers in Arvada, Thornton, Fort Collins, and throughout Colorado who’ve been injured by defective tools and equipment, and we’re ready to help you, too.