When there is not enough natural snow for people to enjoy cold-weather activities, the snow can be made artificially. Unfortunately, everything comes with risks. Snowmaking machines are not immune to risks. There is a certain amount of danger and potential hazard that accompanies snowmaking in Massachusetts as well as in other states that rely on snow in the winter.
If someone is injured or killed because of a snow-making machine at a resort, it is typically considered a workplace incident and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will get involved and will investigate to determine exactly what caused the accident. OSHA will assign a complaint officer to investigate the case and to determine exactly what occurred.
The dangers of moving vehicles
Accidents occur at construction sites, large buildings such as warehouses, and other outdoor sites in which vehicles are used, such as forklifts and dump trucks. In one sense, snowmaking machines are like any other potentially dangerous vehicle or machine.
No matter how much training a person has before actually operating such a machine, accidents can still happen — and they do.
The objective of a snow-making machine
The job of a person who is operating a snow-making machine is to make sure that the machine parts are working properly and to ensure that the snow covers the ground thoroughly so that others can enjoy outdoor activities. It is common for the machine operators to operate the machines at night. That means that they must often contend with less than friendly weather conditions, such as wind, ice, and extreme temperatures. However, if the weather conditions are too extreme, they seek shelter.
When it comes to snow-making activities, there is usually one machine for every slope. In addition to the snow-making machines, the machine operators also need to move from location to location on snowmobiles and use machines that level out the snow on the ground so that people can enjoy snow-related activities.
Seeking solid legal advice from a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer
If you were operating some snow-making equipment and an accident occurred, you may have been injured seriously enough for you not to be able to work. In that case, you will need financial support, which you will have to apply for through workers’ compensation. At times, the application for compensation may seem daunting and complicated. With the help of a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer, you will hopefully get what you need so that you can live a comfortable life.
The lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim if this is or your first filing or help you to appeal the decision against your initial compensation if your application was denied. The lawyer can guide you at every step of the process and will represent you if you need that as well. It is essential that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation and support that you have a right to receive and that are required to move forward in your life.
