Power Tools

Powered hand drills can save workers a lot of time on the job, but caution is called for to avoid serious injuries.

Pressure washers are used to clean large areas, including buildings, parking lots, vehicles and other machinery. These high-powered tools also are used in disaster cleanup. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a pressure washer’s intense spray can cause wounds and other serious injuries that may at first appear minor.

A chain saw’s revving sound is unmistakable, and using one is “inherently hazardous,” according to OSHA. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that roughly 36,000 people are treated annually in emergency rooms for chain saw-related injuries.

When working with a circular saw, one moment of distraction or carelessness is all it takes for tragedy to strike.

Nail guns are helpful tools, but they also have the potential to cause injury. NIOSH notes that nail gun injuries result in an estimated 37,000 emergency department visits every year, with 68 percent of these visits involving workers.

Supervisors are responsible for the safety and health of their employees. This holds true when ensuring employees are using tools safely.

Chain saws are one of the most efficient portable power tools workers have at their disposal, according to OSHA. They also are one of the most dangerous.

Workers who operate equipment such as cutting saws, pumps and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning – even in areas that appear well-ventilated.

Operating a chain saw poses a number of very serious risks.

In woodworking, potential contact with a saw blade presents a very serious hazard. Even though guards offer protection, it is important to remember they alone cannot prevent an injury from happening.