Snow blower Injuries

Snow blowers have helped to make yard and driveway maintenance a much easier task. Unfortunately, snow blower use also carries some serious risks if the user is not familiar with the machine and does not know how to safely operate it. Even experienced users can become injured if they disregard the key safety precautions that help to minimize risk. If you plan to use a snow blower this winter, please consider the hazard risks and safety precautions listed below.

Hazards

Snow blowers and similar snow throwers pick up snow from areas where it is not wanted and deposit it elsewhere using high powered rotors or augers. Anyone standing around the snow blower while it is operating could be hit by flying debris bits of snow and other small objects that the machine picks up. The greatest risk of injury occurs when a piece of debris gets caught in the equipment and must be dislodged.

People are frequently injured when they insert their hands into the machine near the rotor or auger to remove the debris. Even when the machine is turned off, the operator may be severely injured if he or she tries to remove the debris by hand.

Safety Precautions

When using a snow blower, consider the following safety steps to help prevent injury:

• Never insert your hand or other body part into the snow blower to remove debris. Even if the machine is turned off, it could have built up torque that will cause the rotor or auger to continue turning once the debris is dislodged. Use a stick or broom handle instead.
• Do not pick up a snow blower by the underside where the rotor or auger is located. Even if the machine is turned off, the blades may be sharp enough to cause injury.
• Always wear protective goggles and slip-resistant snow boots when operating a snow blower to prevent losing control of the machine.
• Always clear the area before using a snow blower. Remove any visible debris from the ground and do not let children play in the area while the machine is running.

Sometimes heavy equipment accidents occur even when safety precautions are followed. Mechanical defects can cause snow blowers to act unpredictably and potentially injure operators and bystanders alike. In these cases manufacturers or repairmen may be responsible for injuries caused by a defect and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been injured by a snow blower defect, please contact the experienced Waukesha personal injury attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today at 800-242-2874.