We all need some kind of tool to do our job the right way, and it’s up to our employers to provide the right tools to get the job done right. In addition to providing the tools necessary to get the job done, the employer is responsible for ensuring that tools of all types are well maintained. Maintaining the equipment and replacing it once it begins to show signs of wear is also the responsibility of the employer.
What is the team?
The equipment can be anything that an employee uses during the course of employment, in order to perform work. Office workers use equipment such as computers and printers, chairs, and desks. Manufacturing employees use all kinds of robotics, computers, and machinery specific to the task of making a certain product or group of products. Cooks and chefs, and other kitchen personnel, use stoves and grills, as well as sharp knives and slicers, dishwashers, ovens, and heavy pots and pans.
Construction workers use all kinds of heavy equipment and power tools. Police and military personnel use weapons, vehicles, and computer systems. Basically, any type of tool, appliance, processing machinery, appliance, or vehicle, used in the course of employment, is a type of equipment.
Why are employers responsible?
Employers are required by law to maintain a safe workplace. It is understandable that security measures differ from place to place; In either case, a reasonable effort must be made to prevent workplace injuries from faulty equipment. If you’re an employer, you need to protect your workers (as well as your business) by making sure everything runs smoothly. If you are an employee and find faulty equipment, take it out of service before a problem occurs and notify your employer. By doing so, you protect yourself from injury and notify the employer so they know that action must be taken.
How to Prevent Workplace Injuries Due to Defective Equipment
Employers of all kinds must have a plan in place to keep workers safe and prevent accidents that can occur if equipment malfunctions. Remember, preventing an accident can be a financial investment. Paying now can avoid costly problems later!
Plans to prevent injuries due to equipment malfunction do not have to be elaborate, but they do need to be comprehensive, with specific tasks delegated to employees who use or maintain the equipment. While it would be ridiculous to ask an employer to personally inspect and maintain each piece of equipment, it’s not too much to ask to have protocols in place for regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement.
Employers must inventory every piece of equipment in the workplace. Every computer and office chair, every printer, every nut and bolt on every piece of machinery, and every conceivable thing, must undergo a regular inspection and maintenance program. Automobiles and trucks used for work purposes, by employees or executives; They must be properly maintained in accordance with government and manufacturer specifications.
Additionally, all employees at all levels should be aware that reporting a security issue with a piece of equipment is an absolute must. Managers and supervisors should be responsible for ensuring that inspections and maintenance are done regularly, and anything that shows signs of wear should be taken out of service and replaced immediately.
These precautions can prevent injury to employees due to faulty equipment. If you are an employee who has been injured by faulty equipment, be sure to protect your rights by contacting an attorney. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment.