Conveyor Belt Accidents Can Cause Severe Workplace Injuries

Employers should have safety measures in place for conveyor belt systems

A conveyor belt accident can cause a wide variety of injuries, and this type of work accident happens far more often than you might think.

Each year in the U.S., an estimated 9,000 workers are injured and 40 workers die in conveyor belt accidents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• Crush injuries, which involve a worker’s hands or another body part being sucked in and crushed by the conveyor belt system.
• Amputation injuries, including the loss of a finger or hand in a conveyor belt accident.
• Abrasion or burn injuries caused by conveyor belts, primarily because of defective or faulty wiring.
• Head and brain injuries, most commonly the result of objects falling off the conveyor belt and hitting a worker in the head.
• Fractured and broken bones.

What causes conveyor belt accidents?

Workplace accidents involving conveyor belts often occur due to negligence or mistakes made by companies or co-workers. Specific examples of unsafe working conditions that result in conveyor belt accidents include:

• Failure to inspect the conveyor belt system on a regular basis, resulting in some type of mechanical failure.
• Overloading the conveyor belt, causing the machine to overturn or heavy boxes to fall off.
• Lack of training provided by the company for employees operating the conveyor belt system.
• Operating the conveyor belt too fast, which can cause boxes and other objects to fall off and crush workers.
• Improper assembly of the conveyor belt, which can lead to mechanical failure.
• Objects becoming caught in the conveyor belt, including clothing (e.g., a loose scarf), packaging material, and other objects.

What should I do after a conveyor belt accident?

If you get hurt at work in an accident involving a conveyor belt, you should:

• Notify your supervisor immediately.
• Seek prompt medical care.
• Receive an official diagnosis and listen to your doctor’s advice.
• Talk to a work accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options.

How can a work accident lawyer help?

If you were injured or a loved one died in a conveyor belt accident, our law firm can advocate for the compensation you need and deserve. Whether you're pursuing workers' compensation benefits, a third-party injury claim, or a wrongful death lawsuit, we can investigate the circumstances of the accident and build a strong case on your behalf that gets results.

To find out more about how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation. Our Jackson office is conveniently located on North Congress Street and we proudly serve people throughout Mississippi.

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