What Are the Odds of a Vending Machine Falling on You?

According to a report, at least 13 deaths each year occur due to a falling vending machine. This translates to odds of roughly 1 in 112 million that it could happen to you. It also means that you are more likely to die from a vending machine than to win the lottery. It sounds morbid, rather like a Final Destination way to end a life, but since it does happen, it's best to be ready.

How to Minimize the Risk of Being Crushed by a Vending Machine

Apart from never going near a vending machine, there are many ways to avoid being a victim of a falling automat. Here are a couple of things you should and should not do.

Don’t shake or kick vending machines.

When vending machines malfunction and don’t dispense the correct item, most people would naturally get frustrated. Some just leave, while others would try to shake or kick the machine, hoping to get their snack or drink.

Do contact the operator if the machine “steals” your money.

The best course of action if the machine fails to dispense is to call the operator, that is, if you want a refund. There’s usually a number posted right on the machine. Better to file your complaint properly than risk getting buried under the machine.

What Vending Machine Operators Can Do to Keep Their Machines from Falling

If a vending machine falls and injures somebody, regardless of whose fault it is, the operator is likely to be liable. Therefore, to avoid having to go through all the legal ramifications, it would be a lot easier to keep your machines from falling in the first place. Following are some things you can do.

Choose a safe location.

Install your vending machine on a flat and stable surface. Avoid even the slightest slopes and keep your vending machines away from steps.

Use anchoring tools.

The more people use a vending machine, the more likely it is to move out of place or in the worst scenarios, topple over. You can avoid this by anchoring your automat to the wall or the floor, or both.

Check your machine regularly.

Anchoring screws might become loose over time. Frequent use can also cause the machine to move out of place. Regular maintenance checks can easily reveal if the machine is no longer as stable as it should be.

Maintain a balanced load

When loading products onto the machine, make sure to keep it balanced in terms of weight distribution. A top-heavy machine is more likely to fall. Thus, you must put the heavier items on the lower rungs to keep the center of gravity low.

Partner with the Right Vending Solutions Provider

Having any of your machines fall onto someone can cause your business considerable loss. The best way to avoid this is to have a reputable vending partner, like Vending-Machines.ie.

Here at Vending-Machines.ie, we will not only provide you with top-of-the-line vending machines and exemplary vending solutions. We will also ensure the safety of your customers and your business reputation. If you want to learn more about our products and services, give us a call any time and we will give you a free consultation!