Injuries due to faulty defective machinery

You have a right to expect that the equipment provided at work will be safe and suitable for the task and that you will be given adequate instruction on how to use it. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) places just such a legal duty on all employers.

PUWER applies to companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment, but those obligations still apply to equipment which is hired or if an employee is allowed to provide their own equipment.

The PUWER regulations require that work equipment is not only suitable for the task, but is also is maintained and inspected regularly and withdrawn if found to be unsafe. Employees must be adequately trained in how to use the equipment and given suitable personal protective equipment if needed.

Some work equipment is subject to other health and safety legislation in addition to PUWER. Lifting equipment must also meet the requirements of LOLER, pressure equipment must meet the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations and personal protective equipment must conform to the PPE Regulations.

If an employer or manufacturer failed in any of these prescribed duties, and you sustain injuries due to faulty machinery, you may be able to claim a financial pay-out award.

More about injuries due to faulty/defective machinery

When injuries due to faulty or defective equipment happen at work and employees are protected by a number of regulations which are aimed at promoting occupational health and safety.

The courts have a wide interpretation of the meaning of 'work equipment'. Aside from the obvious things such as presses, drills and lathes, coffee machines, lifts, doors, vehicles, ladders and knives have all been held to be 'work equipment'.

A machinery injury at work can have many causes. Crush type injuries can be a result of a missing or inadequate safety guards. Serious injuries such as industrial deafness of loss of vision can result from inadequate ear or eye protection. A lack of proper training in how to use work machinery can lead to injury or the equipment itself may simply be unsuitable for the job or poorly maintained.

Suffering any injury due to faulty or defective machinery can have serious personal and financial consequences. Pursuing a claim will not only ensure adequate pay-out for the injury, but will also allow access to the best rehabilitation and treatment providers to aid recovery.

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