Entrapment hazards are extremely dangerous and present severe risks for both American workers and vulnerable children. Playground equipment and pools have inherent entrapment risks, as do certain machines at the workplace.
For children, supervision is critical in preventing injuries involving defective consumer products and equipment. Entrapment accidents often lead to drowning accidents, strangulation and choking injuries. Playgrounds can be perilous due to all the small spaces children may be stuck in: steps, decks, rails, slides, chains, slats and platforms.
It is surprisingly easy for children to get stuck in small spaces and panic, wedging themselves further into danger in a short amount of time. Pools and spas are also a particularly serious risk for children.
Entrapment injuries for adults typically are limited to workplace hazards and heavy equipment that can catch hair, clothing or limbs and lead to lacerations, amputations and death.
Unintentional injuries like entrapment accidents, strangulation, and drowning are among the leading causes of death among children in the United States, and cause a significant number of workplace injuries in heavy industry.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Personal Injury and Entrapment Hazard Lawyer reviewing product liability and personal injury cases for injured plaintiffs nationwide.
Consumer & Worker Entrapment Hazards
Workplace Entrapment & Confined Spaces
Confined spaces at the workplace present numerous risks that include Workplace Ventilation Risks, toxic exposure, and engulfment and entrapment hazards. As a result, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations on confined spaces.
Confinement in itself may pose entrapment hazards and restrict airflow. OSHA requires workers to have a permit to enter confined spaces. Confined spaces may include underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, pits, diked areas, vessels, and silos. By definition, a confined space satisfies the following:
- Space large enough for an employee to enter fully and perform assigned work
- Space not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee
- Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit
Entrapment Hazard Lawyer
For children, defective toys and household products present choking and entrapment risks. Window cords, playground equipment, and swimming pools present serious hazards. Any consumer products that cause accidents and injury can lead to lawsuits filed by plaintiffs.
Workplace injuries are no less concerning, and employers have a duty to protect workers to the best of their ability, and ensure workers are properly trained and all equipment is frequently maintained.
