Crush injuries are extremely serious. They can be devastating and potentially catastrophic. An accident that leads to a crush injury could cause an amputation, or worse, even be life-threatening. The good news is that crush accidents in the workplace can generally be prevented with proper care. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we are strong advocates for workplace safety. In this article, our Lexington workers’ compensation attorney provides safety tips for preventing a crush injury at work in South Carolina.
What is a Crush Injury?
Penn Medicine defines a crush injury as a type of injury that “occurs when excessive force or pressure is put on a body part.” In workplaces across South Carolina, crush injuries occur in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, construction sites, shipyards, agricultural operations, and distribution centers. The consequences are often severe, even catastrophic. Some of the most common physical effects of a crush injury include tissue destruction, nerve damage, compartment syndrome, internal bleeding, fractures, and even amputation. Notably, these injuries require immediate medical care because circulation loss and pressure buildup can worsen quickly.
Know the Law: Under South Carolina workers’ compensation law, any crush injury that occurs in the course and scope of employment qualifies for no-fault benefits. The worker does not need to prove employer negligence. They only need to show that the injury occurred while on the job.
Tips for Preventing Crush Injuries
As terrible as crush injuries can be, the good news is that they can generally be avoided with the proper safety precautions. Preventing crush injuries requires a layered safety approach. Employers and workers both play critical roles. Here are some tips for preventing crush injuries:
- Proper Machine Guards are a Must: Proper machine guards are an absolute must. All powered equipment must have guards that prevent access to moving parts. South Carolina employers must comply with machine guarding regulations designed to protect workers from rollers, gears, conveyors, presses, and pinch points. Guards should remain in place at all times. Otherwise, there is a far higher risk of crush injuries and other accidents.
- Careful Lockout/Tagout Compliance: Unexpected startup of machinery remains a leading cause of crushing incidents. Lockout/tagout procedures isolate energy sources before maintenance, cleaning, or repair. Every worker assigned to a task must apply their own lock. Beyond that, supervisors at worksites in South Carolina must enforce strict compliance.
- The Use of Spotters in Tight Areas: Crush accidents often occur when heavy equipment operates in reverse or in blind spots. A trained spotter reduces the risk. Spotters must maintain visual contact with operators and ensure the path remains clear. Construction and warehouse sites benefit from designated signals that all personnel understand.
- Safe Practices Material Handling and Rigging: Loads that shift, fall, or roll can crush a worker instantly. Proper rigging, load balancing, and inspection of lifting equipment reduce risks. Workers should never place their hands, feet, or bodies under loads. For example, forklift operators and ground personnel must maintain communication at all times.
- Adequate PPE for Workers: All workers should be provided with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for their specific job site. PPE cannot stop a high-force crushing mechanism, but it reduces severity. Steel-toe boots, gloves, and leg protection offer defensive value. PPE works only when paired with engineering and administrative controls.
- Comprehensive Training for Employees: One of the keys to preventing crush accidents is training. Workers must receive training that covers crushing hazards specific to their duties. They must understand the limits of machinery, the importance of guarding, and the risks of reaching into moving equipment. Refresher training ensures long-term awareness.
Crush Injury at Work? Steps to Take
When a crush injury happens, quick action protects both health and legal rights. A proactive approach is a must. Here are some key steps to take if you suffer a crush injury at work in Lexington or elsewhere in the surrounding region in South Carolina:
- Get Emergency Medical Care: Crush injuries require immediate care. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent damage or complications such as compartment syndrome. Immediate medical attention is an absolute must.
- Report Your Accident: South Carolina law requires workers to give notice as soon as reasonably possible. Report the injury to a supervisor, manager, or safety officer as soon as you can safely do so. The failure to report your accident promptly could be used as a reason to deny your claim.
- File for Workers’ Comp: Workers obtain benefits by filing for benefits with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission if the insurer disputes the claim. The claim can include medical care, wage loss, permanent disability, and, when applicable, vocational rehabilitation. A top-tier Lexington workers’ comp lawyer can help.
Why Trust Our Lexington Work Injury Lawyer for Help With a Crush Injury Claim
Crush injuries can be very serious, even catastrophic. If you or a loved one suffered a crush injury in an accident in the workplace, you must be ready to navigate the claims process. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we have the case results that injured workers can trust. Your initial case evaluation with our Lexington work injury attorney is free, confidential, and without obligations.
We have a law office in Lexington, and we are well-positioned to represent workers throughout the entire region, including in the 29071 and 29072 zip codes. Many industries are key in positively contributing to the economy in Lexington. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. Our firm is committed to fighting for justice and compensation for injured workers throughout Lexington.
Contact Our Lexington Work Injury Lawyer Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our Lexington workers’ comp attorney is a skilled, experienced advocate for workers and their families. We have the expertise needed to take on crush accident cases. If you were hurt in a crush accident at work, we can help. Contact us today for a free case review. With an office in Lexington, we represent injured workers all across the region, including in the zip codes of 29071 and 29072.