Industrial lifts are a type of lift that are used to move people and cargo up and down in factories and other workplaces. Passenger lifts are used to transport people between floors in a building, while freight lifts are used to move materials and equipment around a factory.
Large number of accidents involving lifts can be attributed to a lack of proper maintenance. In many cases, the lift mechanisms are not properly lubricated and in some instances, the cables are not properly tensioned. These factors can lead to serious injuries for passengers and freight handlers.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that between 1990 and 2009, there were an average of 3,000 accidents each year involving passenger lifts. This figure includes both indoor and outdoor lifts. The NSC also reports that during this same period, there were an average of 2,500 accidents each year involving freight lifts. Injuries sustained in these accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries including fatalities.
Lift manufacturers have developed a variety of safety features to help reduce the chances of accidents occurring. These features include automatic detection devices that warn operators when they are close to the limit for safe operation, safeguards that prevent unauthorized entry into the lift car, and emergency stop buttons that trigger an alarm if the lift falls too far below ground level
Many states have laws requiring the installation of safety features on passenger and freight lifts. If you are injured in an accident involving a lift, contact an attorney. Lifts can be dangerous, and if you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can help you understand your rights and how to file a claim.