Here’s What You Need to Know About Power Tool Accidents

Power tools can make construction, home improvement, and many other tasks much easier compared to using manual tools. Power tools may be powered by electricity, compressed air, or an internal combustion engine. These allow power tools to do the work of tools more rapidly or efficiently or with much greater force than a human can provide with a manual tool. Of course, given the power behind power tools, design and manufacturing defects or improper use can lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

If you use power tools on the job or at home, here’s what you should know about power tool accidents.

Common Types of Power Tools That May Be Involved in Accidents

Examples of power tools that are most commonly involved in accidents include:

• Air compressors, which may be used to power sandblasters, sprayers, cleaning tools, or to fill tires and other objects with air or to clear out fluid lines.
• Bandsaws, which rapidly spin a thin band of toothed metal on a tabletop. Typically used in woodworking and metalworking, as well as in meat processing
• Chainsaws, a handheld type of powered saw.
• Circular saw, also known as a radial saw or mitered saw. Can come in handheld and tabletop forms
• Belt/disc sanders, which rapidly spin sandpaper or polishing sponges/chamois
• Drills, which come in both tabletop and handheld form, as well as in electrical or pneumatic/compressed air form.
• Impact wrenches, which can offer rapid twisting motion or a massive amount of torque. Can be powered electrically or by air compression
• Lathes, which are typically tabletop tools use to shape wood or metal by passing it over a rapidly spinning, stationary cutting tool
• Nail guns, which use compressed hair to drive nails

Examples of Injuries Suffered in Power Tool Accidents

Unfortunately, power tool accidents, whether caused by defective design or an error in manufacturing, or due to inadequate use instructions, or due to improper training on a NJ construction site, can lead to catastrophic injuries. Injuries that may occur from power tool accidents include:

• Lacerations, most commonly caused by accidents with saws
• Amputations, more commonly amputations of fingers but in catastrophic accidents can cause amputation of a hand, foot, or limb
• Electrocution, which may occur if a power tool is not properly grounded, worn out, or used around water or wet surfaces
• Burns, which may occur from using heat guns or touching hot surfaces of recently-used power tools.
• Puncture wounds, which most frequently occur in accidents with nail guns
• Hearing loss, which can result from frequent and extended use of power tools without hearing protection

How to Prevent a Power Tool Accident

There are many steps that power tool manufacturers, employers who supply power tools, and consumers who purchase and use power tools can follow to prevent or reduce the risk of accidents and injuries:

• Manufacturers should conduct thorough testing of power tool designs to make sure tools do not have unreasonable risks of failure. User testing should also be conducted to ensure that the tool can be safely used for its intended purposes. Manufacturers should supply tools with instructions and warning labels to help minimize the risk of an accident.
• Employers should ensure that work tools have all required guards and safety devices. They should also take the time to train workers to safely use tools, as well as supply workers with personal protective equipment.
• Consumers should always read the instruction materials supplied with a power tool prior to use. Individuals should also replace any power tools that become worn out or that are damaged. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Defective Product Accident Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to a faulty product in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of product defects in Union, Westfield, Cranford, Elizabeth, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.