The Risk of Defective Equipment on Construction Sites
Construction work is inherently dangerous, and these dangers are sometimes caused by defective equipment, such as heavy machinery and power tools.
Equipment manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe products, including construction machinery and tools.
These products can endanger even the most cautious workers. Common defects may include:
- Design defects, such as a lack of critical safety features
- Manufacturing defects, such as inferior materials or poor quality control
- A lack of appropriate warning labels on the product
Types of Defective Equipment
The types of equipment most likely to cause construction worker injuries include:
- Forklifts. These machines used on practically all construction sites, since they’re invaluable for moving heavy loads. Unfortunately, forklifts are also large and complicated, often causing serious injuries such as lacerations, broken bones, and spinal damage when there are defects in forklift design or manufacturing.
- Cranes. Crane accidents are some of the most common construction work site mishaps, and many of these are caused by defective or missing components. Even the most experienced crane operators can have serious accidents if the machine has defects, leading to head injuries, spinal damage, and fractures.
- Scaffolding. Scaffolding is a temporary structure comprised of planks, frames, couplers, and bolts, which is used to support workers during construction projects. Defective scaffolding can lead to devastating falls, causing catastrophic head injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, and even death.
Protecting Your Rights
Equipment manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that the machinery they produce is strong enough for its intended purpose, and includes safety mechanisms to minimize the risk of worker injury.
If you were hurt on the job due to your employer’s use of defective equipment, you need representation by an experienced product liability attorney. Your lawyer can help you pursue a third party claim against the manufacturer of the defective equipment that caused your injuries. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.