Power Tools

For millions of workers in the construction, maintenance, mining, forestry, transportation, agriculture and automotive industries, the effects of sustained on-the-job exposure to vibration – whether hand-arm or whole-body – may lead to various health problems.

Cut-off saws “make demanding cuts possible, but if not handled properly, they pose serious risks,” leaving “no room for error,” warns a recent fact sheet from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

If your work includes operating power tools, replacing fuses or handling any device that could give you an electric shock, you should wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated safety gloves, says the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance.

Circular saws can cause serious injuries if not operated safely.

Using a power tool? Working ergonomically will help prevent injuries to your wrist.

Commonly used by construction workers, cut-off saws “can be extremely dangerous because unguarded blades operate at very high speeds,” the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations cautions. The agency has created a list of do’s and don’ts.

Before you pick up that nail gun, do you know how to use it safely?

Raynaud’s phenomenon – sometimes called Raynaud’s syndrome or disease – is a disorder of blood circulation in the fingers and toes (and less commonly in the ears and nose). The cause: Several.

Construction workers: Do you often perform the same task at work over and over again? Do you experience pain afterward? What starts as a minor ache or pain can quickly turn into a more serious condition – a repetitive stress injury.

Although many chainsaws now come equipped with safety features, workers still need to be trained on proper use of the tool.