Machinery Accidents Workers Comp in Washington

Machinery Accidents Overview

Machinery accidents include injuries caused by contact with industrial equipment, power tools, conveyor belts, presses, saws, and other mechanical devices. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, and even death. Manufacturing, agriculture, and construction industries see the highest rates of machinery-related injuries.

Washington Workers Comp Benefits

Common Symptoms — Machinery Accidents

• •Lacerations and deep cuts requiring stitches or surgery
• •Crush injuries to hands, fingers, or limbs
• •Fractures and broken bones
• •Amputations of fingers, hands, or limbs
• •Burns from heated equipment or friction
• •Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud machinery
• •Eye injuries from flying debris or particles

Key Facts

• ✓Machinery accidents are among the most severe workplace injuries
• ✓Amputation claims can settle for $100,000 to over $500,000
• ✓OSHA requires machine guarding for all equipment with moving parts
• ✓Employer OSHA violations can strengthen a workers comp claim
• ✓Third-party claims may be available against equipment manufacturers
• ✓Lockout/tagout violations are a leading cause of machinery accidents
• ✓Washington State Department of Labor & Industries runs the state fund
• ✓Washington is a monopolistic state — most employers must use the state fund
• ✓Benefits are 60–75% of wages depending on marital status and dependents
• ✓Self-insurance is available to qualified employers