Injured in a Tool & Die Accident? Tool & Die Attorney Straight Talk

Mechanical press amputations are always preventable. This article is first intended to help prevent amputations. Second, to inform workers and their families of the safety issues they may face if they or a loved one has been seriously injured by a mechanical power press.

Amputations are the most common type of injuries caused by mechanical power presses. These injuries occur due to point of operation hazards. The point of operation is the area on a press where material is processed. Worker amputations occur because point of operation guards and devices are not in place or are not properly installed. The worker places their hand, finger or arm in the working area of the press when it cycles.

Press operator workers are injured when one of the safety components of the press fails and the clutch/brake control electrical circuit does not provide control reliability. When the system's components are integrated and function together as a unit there is control reliability. In other words, if one system component fails, the press will not initiate a successive stroke until the failure is corrected.

A mechanical power press is a machine which punches, shears, forms or assembles metal or other materials by tools or dies. They are mounted on slides or rams. It operates in a controlled, reciprocating motion. The motion is toward and away from the lower die which is stationary.

The upper and lower dies press together and a piece is made. When the downstroke is completed, the formed piece is removed. Then a new piece is fed into the die. The process is repeated again and again. There are two main types of clutches: part revolution clutches and full revolution clutches.

Safeguarding:

Safeguarding devices should be used. Safeguarding detects and/or prevents inadvertent or intentional access to the hazardous location. These devices protect workers against hazards at the point of operation. The manufacturer should design a comprehensive safety system. Safety interlock switches, safety light screens, and two-hand controls are examples of safeguarding devices that should be used as part of the safety system.

The mechanical press manufacturer can not leave safety up to the employer. The manufacturer is responsible for providing a comprehensive safety system, which includes safe guards. Mechanical power presses without adequate safeguards are a ticking time bomb waiting to amputate a worker's hand.

The Bottom Line:

If you or a family member have a serious tool and die injury or a power press injury; workers compensation benefits will not adequately compensate you for your injuries. This is especially true for California workers. Usually, you and your family's only chance of economic survival is to successfully bring a third party lawsuit against the manufacturer, seller and/or assembler of the tool and die and/or power press.

The Cardinal Rule of Injury Claims:

If you are bringing a claim for injuries in court your credibility is always at issue. Never misrepresent, fudge and/or exaggerate your claim or your injuries. You must always tell the truth. You won't get any "do-overs" in your court case. If the jury finds out you have been less than honest and candid you will lose. Always tell the truth. And, be sure to hire an attorney that will present your case honestly.