The Most Common Injuries Caused by Working with Machines Unsafely

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Blog,Worksite Injury on November 7, 2025

Greg Colburn

personal injury lawyer

Heavy machinery, by its nature, is dangerous. Workers in industries that range from manufacturing to construction must interact with large, powerful, and often complex equipment every day, which requires careful handling and adherence to safety protocols. Failure to follow these protocols can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, emphasizing the importance of safety training.

Unfortunately, many workers are injured every year in accidents involving these machines. While these incidents may be caused by defective equipment or another external factor, others occur due to unsafe handling.

What Is the Most Common Injury Caused by Working with Machines Unsafely?

The most common injury caused by working with machines unsafely is a laceration, often resulting from direct contact with unguarded or poorly maintained equipment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers exposed to machinery hazards experience about 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crush injuries, and abrasions each year, along with more than 800 deaths. These incidents often occur when essential safety steps, such as lockout/tagout procedures or machine guarding, are overlooked.

Unsafe machine operation causes various injuries depending on equipment type, safety measures, and training, including:

• Lacerations: Deep cuts caused by sharp edges, moving blades, or unshielded components.
• Crush Injuries: When a limb or body part is caught between moving parts or heavy objects.
• Amputations: Extreme crush or entanglement injuries resulting in the loss of fingers, hands, or limbs.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Strains, sprains, and back issues from repetitive motion, poor ergonomics, or improper equipment use.

Each of these injuries causes physical harm and affects a worker’s long-term earning capacity and quality of life. The risk is exceptionally high in manufacturing, construction, and warehouse settings throughout Seattle and King County, where heavy machinery is regularly used without adequate safeguarding.

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What Factors Can Lead to Machinery-Related Injuries?

Injuries from machinery are not always the result of equipment failure; often, they are caused by a combination of human error and environmental factors. These can vary from inadequate training and supervision to the neglect of safety protocols and proper equipment maintenance. Understanding these factors is essential to create safer work environments and reduce the risk of accidents.

Some of the most common causes of machinery-related injuries include:

• Failure to Use Safety Equipment: Safety equipment is crucial for protection against various hazards. Not wearing appropriate gear like gloves, goggles, or safety guards can significantly increase the risk of certain injuries, such as eye damage or skin irritation.
• Inadequate Machine Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for safety. Machines that aren’t properly maintained can malfunction, leading to unexpected and dangerous situations.
• Unrealistic Worker Schedules: Workers who are hurried or fatigued tend to make more errors and take unsafe shortcuts, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Lack of Supervision: Adequate supervision ensures adherence to safety protocols. In its absence, workers might not follow safety guidelines, resulting in accidents.
• Improper Material Handling: Incorrect handling of materials near machinery can cause dangerous interactions, like objects being propelled or operators coming into contact with moving parts.
• Lack of Proper Training: Without proper training, workers may not understand how to operate machinery safely, leading to mishandling and potential accidents.
• Ignoring Lockout/Tagout Procedures: When machines aren’t in use, they should be safely powered off, especially when someone is cleaning or performing maintenance work on them. Skipping lockout/tagout procedures can result in unintended activations and serious injuries.

Employer vs. Manufacturer Liability

Liability for machinery-related injuries depends on identifying which party failed to meet their legal duty regarding safety. In Washington, employers and manufacturers can both be held accountable, individually or jointly, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.

When Is Your Employer Liable for Injuries From Unsafe Machinery?

Employers can be held accountable when carelessness creates unsafe machinery conditions or improper operation. Washington law requires them to maintain equipment, provide thorough training, and keep guards and emergency stops in working order. Liability often arises when OSHA or Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) rules are violated or maintenance problems are ignored. 

When this neglect leads to injury, the employer can be sued through a personal injury or third-party claim, particularly if the damages exceed typical workers’ compensation benefits.

When Is the Machine Manufacturer Liable for Unsafe Machine Injuries?

A manufacturer can be held responsible when defective design, construction, or labeling causes foreseeable injury. Washington’s Product Liability Act (RCW 7.72.030) establishes liability if a product fails to meet reasonable safety standards in its design or lacks proper warnings and instructions.

Negligence may involve design defects making machinery unsafe even when used correctly, manufacturing defects like faulty wiring or unstable assembly, or a failure to warn when essential safety information is missing. Injured workers may pursue a product liability claim in addition to or instead of workers’ compensation.

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job in Washington State

In Washington, workers injured on the job are entitled to benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. This legislation states that eligible workers can recover compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. If you suffer an injury due to unsafe machine operation, you can file a claim for benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

If you are injured by heavy machinery, report the incident immediately and seek medical attention. Then, contact a Seattle workers’ compensation attorney for assistance. A lawyer can help you navigate your claim, advocating for your right to full benefits and fair compensation.

Resources for Workers’ Compensation Victims

• Should You Work While on Workers’ Compensation?
• How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
• Is PTSD Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
• Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Workers’ Compensation?
• If I get Injured on a Break at Work, Can I Receive Compensation?

Ready to Take Action? Contact Colburn Law Today

Victims of workplace accidents involving unsafe machinery have legal options to seek compensation for their injuries. Colburn Law – Accident and Injury Lawyers helps clients across Seattle and Washington State pursue claims involving machinery accidents and other personal injury cases. Our attorneys investigate employer safety violations and defective equipment to identify every source of liability.

To learn more about what is the most common injury caused by working with machines unsafely or to discuss your case, contact 206-823-4953 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward after a machinery-related injury.

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