What to know if you work with food slicers, grinders

You don’t have to work in construction or as an emergency responder to be exposed to dangerous workplace conditions. In fact, many people work with certain equipment every day that could put their health and safety in danger; they just may not realize it.

For instance, if you work in a deli, restaurant or any food service industry role, you likely work with equipment like food slicers and grinders. Considering how routine it can be to use the equipment, it can be easy to underestimate how dangerous it can really be. Because of this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has regulations in place specifically for use and maintenance of these machines.

For instance, OSHA requires that grinders and slicers have proper guards installed and have proper feeding attachments in place. When these machines are being cleaned or maintained, they should be unplugged so that they don’t start up unexpectedly.

It is also required that people who use these machines have proper training before operating them. They should know how to safely operate a slicer or grinder, how to hold foods, how to use plungers and how to turn off and on the machines. Further, employees should also be provided with hand protection from employers. These gloves should be resistant to cuts from slicers and blades.

Unfortunately, accidents can and do still happen, regardless of whether people follow all the rules and regulations. Sadly, the consequences of an accident caused by a slicer or grinder could include amputation of a person’s finger or hand. As we mentioned in this recent blog post, amputations will often qualify a worker for various benefits, including workers’ compensation.

If you have suffered an injury on the job involving a food slicer or meat grinder, it can be crucial that you understand you options to secure compensation for damages, which could be considerable. Discussing your legal rights with an Charlotte work injury attorney in these situations can prove to be a wise decision.