Construction is one of the most dangerous careers in America, with one in ten construction workers injured each year while working on the roads, infrastructure, and buildings across the country. This often involves the use of dangerous and heavy equipment such as electric generator sets.
Electric generator sets, also known as a genset, is a piece of portable equipment that consists of an engine and alternator/electric generator that is used to provide energy in developing areas, areas where power outages are common, areas where there is no connection to the power grid, and places where an outage can cause dangerous or significant issues (such as in mining). Electric generator sets can serve as the main source of power or they can be used as a supplementary power source, typically during hours where power usage is at its peak. While electric generator sets are extremely useful, they are not without risk.
If you have been injured in an electric generator set accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
Electric Generator Set Risks
To ensure the safety of all workers on a job site, it is important that anyone operating an electric generator set understands the proper use of this equipment. Generators emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other dangerous fumes and should not be used in enclosed spaces and the exhaust system should be directed away from the work area to prevent poisoning.
It is also important that the electric generator set is not overloaded; doing so can lead to overheated power outlets, short circuits, blown fuses, and fires. Electric generator sets should not be connected to the main electrical connection, instead, use a transfer switch in between to prevent electrocutions and the generator should never be hot during refueling. Workers should also be instructed not to smoke near the generator, as vapors could ignite.
Electric generator sets should be thoroughly and routinely inspected to ensure that they are properly maintained and safe for use and an electric generator set that is defective in any way, including in design and/or manufacture should never be used to prevent the risk of serious injuries.
The most common injuries seen in electric generator set accidents include:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Abrasions
- Amputation
- Crushing injuries
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Liability in Construction Accidents
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH ACT), employers have an obligation to maintain a safe working environment and follow the regulations of OSHA. If the employer, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another employee fails to follow the appropriate standards of care and their actions or inactions cause an accident, they could be liable for the injuries and damages their negligence caused.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, partial wages, and disability benefits to an injured worker regardless of who was at-fault for the accident. Workers compensation does typically prohibit an employee from suing their employer for the accident, however, there may be other options including filing a claim against a negligent third-party, such as a subcontractor, vendor, defective equipment designer and/or manufacturer, or general contractor who is not the employee’s direct employer.
Construction accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties and defendants. This is why it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyers to determine your rights under Illinois law.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, the lawyers at 844 See Mike can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 135 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
