Workplace injuries requiring amputation often are preventable

A United States Bureau of Labor Statistics paper released in 2003 reported that between 1992 and 1999 there were on average 21 fatal amputations and 11,000 non-fatal amputations in the workplace. Most of these – 53% – were in the manufacturuing industry. In fact workers in manufacturing were almost three times more likely to be an amputation victim at work. Operators, fabricators, and laborers accounted for more work-related amputations than all other sectors combined.

Amputation also has large impact on both the worker and the employer economically. Because of the nature of the injury, it is one of the most costly with an average of over $18,000 per claim during this time period, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (Fall 1999 report). It also results in one of the highest recovery times, or time away from work, with over one-third of claimants requiring more than 31 days to return. In comparison, only about 20% of all those injured on the job are still not back to work after one month. The median time away from work for amputation victims is 18 days versus 6 days for all injuries and illnesses combined.

The vast majority involves fingers, accounting for 94% of amputations. Further, 71% of these were fingertips. The more serious injuries were evenly distributed, according to the report, with 3% involving a hand or arm amputation, and 3% involving a foot or leg.

Workers often suffer injuries needing amputation

Most fatal amputations were a result of two accident types: 42% involved workers getting caught in or compressed by machinery, and 37% were transportation related. Two-thirds of non-fatal accidents were caused by workers getting caught in or compressed by machinery, with 72% of these occurring in the manufacturing industry. Other common events included workers getting struck by objects, or getting thrown against objects.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed several programs to combat the problem. Incentives, such as the $8 million awarded in grants in 2000, encouraged companies to follow the OSHA Lockout/Tagout program to secure potentially dangerous machinery.

Contact an Adler workplace injury lawyer

Punitive measures in the form of fines, especially against employers who wilfully ignore safety standards, are another method. Trends from 1992 to 1999 showed that the number of amputations in the workplace had been declining, but through better safety measures and the reduction of negligent employers, these numbers can fall further still.

If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, contact workplace injury lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates today. Call 1-800-505-1414 today or fill out the form on our website for a free case review, and let an Adler workplace injury lawyer help you launch the process of your financial recovery.

Your injury was probably preventable, and may be due to negligence on the part of your employer. If you suspect this to be the case, or  even if you are not sure, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case assessment. We will let you know what your rights are, and whether you can seek additional compensation for your injuries.