Power tool and construction injuries are on the rise, and damages can range from minor bumps and bruises to head injuries and fatal accidents. You don’t have to be a carpenter or landscaper to run into these problems, either. Most of this equipment is commonly found in our garages, and if they aren’t used safely, they can cause major damage.
The Five Most Dangerous Power Tools
The following tools are responsible for thousands of injuries every year. If you use these at home, stay safe and know how to avoid harm.
Table Saw
These deadly tools are responsible for over 30,000 injuries every year. Their spinning blades complete over 3,000 rotations per minute, and even when these systems have failsafe mechanisms and other security measures, they can lead to severe lacerations and amputations.
If you’re using this equipment, consider an addition that will stop the blade if it contacts any body part. Other extras, like a spitter or featherboard, can also help you avoid serious injuries.
Chain Saw
This should come as no surprise, but chain saws are deadly. Accidents with these power tools routinely lead to amputation injuries, fatal injuries, and other devastating damages. If you must use this tool, do so with extreme caution. They’re heavy and should be handled carefully.
Nail Guns
These tools can take hours out of tedious construction work, but they’re remarkably dangerous. In fact, over 37,000 people visit the ER each year due to a power nailer injury. If you’re using one of these tools, pay attention to whether it’s set to manual or set to fire on contact. Though most of these damages affect a hand or foot, fatal accidents do happen.
Circular Saws
Another universal garage tool, circular saws take the danger of a table saw and put it in your hand. Though convenient and versatile, they should never be underestimated; a person who uses a circular saw without setting it down correctly can have the device kick back in his or her hand, causing a potentially deadly accident. If the item being sawed isn’t correctly clamped, it can lead to dozens of other injuries.
Riding Lawnmower
Another entry into the “tools that make life easier” category, incorrectly using a riding lawnmower can have life-altering consequences. Though they make yard work more relaxing, individuals should never let their guard down around this hardware. Riding lawnmowers can run over people’s feet, but the device can also pass over rocks or other items, turning them into extremely dangerous projectiles.
Power Tool Safety Best Practices
Stay safe around these dangerous tools. If you’re around these items professionally, make sure you follow all mandatory security standards and usage requirements. For those at home, here are a few measures you can take:
- Only work when you’re alert.
- Work with a partner.
- Use goggles and a mask.
- Use (and check) clamps.
Lastly, check the clothes you’re wearing; close-toed shoes (ideally steel-toe) should be worn. Loose clothing can get caught in machinery, so make sure you’re properly dressed.
In spite of your best efforts, an injury may happen. When it takes place at work, you may file a workers’ compensation claim. In your garage, damages may be covered by a products liability suit or another personal injury dispute depending on the situation. Though the laws governing these rights are strict and may be difficult to pursue, you may have a case worth fighting.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in West Virginia
If you were injured and believe you are owed compensation, reach out to a qualified West Virginia personal injury lawyer. The legal team at Tiano O’Dell, PLLC has years of experience settling these claims, and we can help you determine if a product malfunction or another person’s negligence contributed to your injury. Call our office or contact us online for more information or to schedule a free consultation today.