In some workplace environments, such as a manufacturing plant or a warehouse, machines and equipment are used frequently. Some of these machines may have two-hand control systems. To activate the machine, there are two separate buttons that need to be pushed simultaneously, and they are far enough apart that the worker has to use both hands to accomplish this task.
The goal is worker safety. It ensures that the worker’s hands are away from the operating surface every time they use the machine. This can reduce the odds of significant workplace injuries.
Operating a hydraulic press
One common example of this is a hydraulic press with a two-hand control system. A worker’s job may be to insert material onto the surface of the press and then activate it so that it presses that material into a certain shape as part of the manufacturing process.
A significant injury risk, though, is if a worker absentmindedly leaves their hand on the material when they activate the device. This could lead to an amputation injury, which is often a permanent disability for the worker. It is one of the more severe injuries they can suffer.
By using the two-button control system, however, the worker has to move their hand away from the material. As long as they use the machine correctly, there is no chance of an amputation injury.
Seeking compensation after significant injuries
This helps to demonstrate some of the major injury risks workers face and the systems that are in place to help prevent them. But there are always risks when working with heavy equipment, whether due to design defects, malfunctions, worker mistakes or other such issues. For those who have suffered such serious injuries, it is critical that they understand all of their rights to workers’ comp benefits.
