Angle Grinder Injury – St. Louis Workers Comp Lawyer

While machines and tools increase speed, quality, and productivity, they also put workers at risk of injury.

Tools and machines are used in factories and workshops in virtually all industries. While machines and tools increase  speed, quality, and in turn productivity, they also put workers at risk of injury. Injuries can range from minor to severe such as lacerations, cuts, amputations, burns, and at times these injuries can even prove fatal.

Injured workers often face the risk of long term disability, permanent disabilities, and need time for recuperation and rehabilitation. Moreover, they have to bear with expenses of medical treatment. However, those injured at work have the right to workers compensation benefits. They should consult with a St. Louis workers compensation lawyer to fully understand their rights.

Angle grinders

Angle grinders, also known as side grinders or disc grinders, are a type of power tool that is used for cutting and polishing tough and abrasive materials such as cement, stucco or other thinner materials. Depending on the material that needs to be cut, angle grinders use different wheels and accessories. These are usually powered by an engine, compressed air or electric motors. Ideally, all workers are instructed to wear personal protective gear like face shields while operating angle grinders. However, injuries still take place.

Types of injuries caused by angle grinders

Injuries caused by angle grinders are often catastrophic. Due to the speed and sharpness of the tools, workers get severely injured in a fraction of a second. Penetrating cranial injuries, skull fractures, and amputations are some of the debilitating and fatal injuries that are commonly seen. Common angle grinder injuries include –

• Lacerations to the head, face, neck and torso
• Hand and finger amputations
• Injuries to the eyes
• Cuts occurring due to flying debris
• Injuries caused by burns from resulting sparks
• Long term injuries resulting from constant vibrations to the body
• Long term diseases caused due to exposure to dust and silica, especially in the cement and concrete industry

Preventing angle grinder injuries

Angle grinder injuries commonly occur due to the way they are used, rather than issues with the machines themselves. Some common causes of angle grinder injuries are –

• Insufficient training about use and safety given to workers
• Inexperienced workforce
• Use of incorrect discs for the job
• Removal of the safety guard fitted to the angle grinder
• Lack of use of safety personal protection equipment

To prevent angle grinder injuries, it is important that employers insist on proper training for all workers and use protective equipment.