What are some ways workers can sustain injuries from machinery that unintentionally starts up?

Workers can sustain injuries from machinery that unintentionally starts up primarily through entanglement and asphyxiation. When machines start unexpectedly, moving parts can catch clothing, hair, or body parts, leading to serious injuries. Entanglement can quickly pull a worker into the machine, causing crush injuries or lacerations.

Asphyxiation can also occur in specific scenarios, especially if the unexpected start-up happens in confined spaces or with machinery that can release toxic gases or vapors. Workers might become trapped or unable to breathe if the machinery causes harmful conditions.

Other options, while relevant to safety and health concerns in workplaces, do not directly relate to the specific risks associated with unintentional machinery start-up. For instance, carpet burns are linked to friction injuries from movement on surfaces rather than machinery operations. Laser exposure pertains to different hazards related to specific equipment, and noise-induced hearing loss is a chronic issue from prolonged exposure to high decibel levels rather than immediate injury from machinery starting unexpectedly. Thus, entanglement and asphyxiation represent the key risks tied directly to the situation described.