Episode 119: Calloway County workers’ compensation attorney Jeff Roberts discusses injuries in automotive parts and metal forming plants. Metal forming and die casting are dangerous jobs. If you’ve had a workplace injury, you should apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Jeff Roberts has over 33 years of experience helping injured workers file for workers’ comp benefits across Kentucky.
Kentucky Has Many Automotive Parts and Metal Forming Facilities
Logan Aluminum is located in Russellville. Kobelco Aluminum Automotive Products, Constellium and Magna Bowling Green Metalforming, and Trace Die Cast are located in the Bowling Green area. CCMA is located in Calvert City. T.RAD is in Hopkinsville. Martinrea has locations in Hopkinsville and Murray, among others. Accuride Wheels in has a plant in Henderson. These are just a few in the Western Kentucky region.
Years ago while studying at Murray State University, Jeff operated a punch press and later worked in the die cast department for Briggs and Stratton, in Murray.
Common Injuries in Automotive Parts Facilities
Crush-related injuries can occur in die cast facilities, especially if a limb or piece of clothing gets caught in the machine. These are extremely serious and can sometime result in a workplace fatality. It’s important to make sure the safety equipment is properly installed and operating to help protect workers using this equipment.
Jeff mentions a situation in which a worker who lost 4 fingers while operating a punch press. He discussed injuries leading to amputation and loss of use in Episode 26 and Episode 13. When you have a repetitive job, it’s easy to “zone out” while you’re performing the same tasks. This presents a significant risk in automotive parts and metal forming plants.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
These are also referred to a cumulative trauma injuries. If you have the same range of motion required each time you perform a job-related task, you may experience shoulder injuries and low-back injuries. It’s not uncommon for a relatively young person to have advanced degenerative disks disease or arthritis, because of the repetitive motions performed on the job.
Even if you have a pre-existing condition, your job may be responsible for aggravating the injury. This means you may be able to get workers’ comp benefits. Be sure to describe your job tasks to your doctor and ask if the pain you’re experiencing could be work-related.
Burn Injuries Occur in Automotive Parts and Metal Forming Plants
This could be from the machinery or the item, itself. This is certainly true in die cast operations. The metal is in a molten or liquid state, when it’s poured into the die. A third-degree burn can quickly result. Workers need to be sure to wear all of the personal protection equipment (PPE).
Hearing Loss from Working in a Loud Plant
These facilities are extremely loud. The risk of hearing loss is especially high in stamping operations. It may be a family member who notices this before the worker who has sustained hearing loss. If it’s proven to be a result of your work environment, hearing loss does qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This can include the paying for hearing aids, and go as far as paying permanent disability benefits.
Eye Injuries Are a Significant Risk
Automotive parts and metal forming plants are often dirty environments. This increases from sparks any time metal is being grinded or de-burred. There’s a risk of metal shards and particles in the air that can cause damage to your eyes. Safety glasses and other protection should be worn at all times. Jeff has represented client who suffered eye injuries, some resulting in blindness. Jeff describes a case in which a worker was working with molten aluminum that exploded when it came into contact with water that had dripped from the ceiling of the facility, the night before.
Back Injuries from Lifting Heavy Objects in the Plant
Back injuries don’t only occur from repetitive motions. If you have to lift a heavy item, you might feel a sudden pop or shooting pain in your back or radiating down your legs. You may have injured or ruptured a disc in your lower back. These can be extremely painful and may ultimately require surgery. Even after surgery, you might not return to feeling 100%.
The Risk of Forklift Injuries
In Episode 103, Jeff spoke about forklift injuries and fatalities. It’s possible the driver didn’t see you, or maybe you walked out in front of a forklift, because you didn’t hear it. Jeff has represented workers who were hit by a forklift at work. The injuries can be very serious including a head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury from the forklift or hitting your head on the ground.
Trips and Falls from Items in the Walkway
If you work in an automotive parts or metal forming plant, you already know it’s a very busy place. A lot of activities are going on in a condensed area. It’s not uncommon for items including boxes of parts to be left in the walkway. Equipment and other items can be protruding into the aisle. This presents a risk of injury from trips and falls, some of which can be extremely serious.
There’s also the risk of slipping on lubricants used to cool the machines. Griding and cutting stations can sling the substance onto the floor, resulting in a slip or fall.
In summary, Jeff makes a few closing recommendations:
- Always wear your PPE
- Notify your employer if you’re injured
- Be attentive to what’s going on around you
- Voice your safety concerns to your supervisor
We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.
Thank you for listening!
What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff?
We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients. A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff’s commitment to his clients. As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys. Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office. Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort. It’s why Jeff likes to say his firm offers small town service with big city results.
Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky
With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and now in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state. He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations. He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.
Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement.
