We’ve all been stuck in a traffic jam behind an old digger slowly bumping along the road, but how many of us thought about the risks the drivers could be putting themselves at by spending long periods of time in such machines?
Older tractors and diggers were designed to carry out a range of jobs and most thought was put into developing their power and flexibility of function. As a result of this their chassis was solid – so it wouldn’t break – and suspension was minimal; the big chunky tyres took care of the bumps.
Fortunately the manufacturers of the machines that keep the country moving – albeit slowly sometimes – have taken the risks seriously and you’d be amazed at how much planning and thought now goes onto the design and manufacture of machines with a view to increasing efficiency and safety; both for the driver and others working in the vicinity.
Not only is serious thought and provision given to the suspension for the wheels and bodies of the machines, there is also a huge amount of work that has gone into developing suspension systems for the driver’s seat. Many current machines feature heated seats with their own air-suspension; this significantly reduces the amount of vibration that passes through the operator while they are driving or operating the machine, as well as keeping them warm if they’re sitting on a cold, wet building site all day.
As the machines evolve, the range of tools and attachments that are available has increased significantly, and this has also in many cases been designed to maximise safety. One machine that has recently been launched by a leading UK manufacturer features an attachment that can cut out pot-holes and prepare them for filling. Naturally this device has the potential to cause a lot of vibration through the machine, so the manufacturers developed a separate suspension system between the tool and the machine so that vibration can be kept to a minimum.
One of the best ways to avoid or reduce the risk of vibration through machinery is to keep equipment properly maintained and, where possible, to use the most appropriate machines for the job at hand. As manufacturers strive to reduce injuries, employers of those whom operate these machines on a regular basis also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their operatives.
If you or someone you care for has suffered pain or injury as a result of vibration in their workplace; whether that is Whole Body Vibration or other types of vibration-related injuries, you could well be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Contact one of our highly experienced solicitors today, for free and with no obligation, and let us see how we can help you get the pay out you deserve.