Cutting wood, metal, concrete, or pipes is a common part of construction work. A circular saw, a grinder or a concrete cutter can help you get these jobs done faster. But they can also be very dangerous if not handled correctly. Many injuries come from preventable errors with cutting tools.
Saw or cutting blade injuries are some of the worst that can happen on construction sites. This is why a lot of workers who have been hurt turn to attorneys for cutting blade & saw accidents. These lawyers are often called in after accidents that cause long-lasting damage. In this article, we’ll look at seven common causes of saw and cutting blade accidents on construction sites so you can watch out for them.
1. Lack of Training
Poor training is a major reason why saw accidents happen. Power tools are sometimes used by workers who don’t know how to handle them properly. If they don’t get trained, they might miss signs that something is wrong. This is dangerous for them and other people.
2. Contact with the Blade
If a worker’s hand or finger gets in the way of the saw, blade contact will occur. It usually leads to deep cuts or limb loss. Usually, missing guards or bad safety habits are involved. Distractions for even a second can cause serious injury.
3. Kickback
Kickbacks happen when the saw binds or hits something hard and jumps backward. This could lead to the blade or object hitting the person working with it. Most kickback accidents happen quickly and violently. They can happen with smaller handsaws or bigger cutting machines.
4. Insecure Material
The material being cut can move if it is not clamped or held in place. Your grip on the tool could slip if this happens. The blade might get stuck or catch unexpectedly. This makes it very likely that the person will get hurt.
5. Faulty or Missing Safety Guards
Safety guards are meant to keep hands and fingers away from blades that are moving. Sometimes workers remove them to speed up work. Other times, the guards are broken or not there at all. Without guards, the chance of coming into direct contact with the blade goes up by a lot.
6. Using the Wrong Tool for the Job
Every saw and cutting blade is made to do a certain task. If you use the wrong blade or tool, it could lead to poor performance and even put you in danger. A blade made for wood shouldn’t be used to cut tile or metal. Mismatched tools can break, get stuck, or kick back.
7. Electrical Hazards
Some saws are powered by electricity, which can be dangerous because it can electrocute you if you are not careful. If a saw hits a live wire, the result can be fatal. This risk goes up even more when you’re working in wet conditions. Before starting a cut, workers should always check the area to ensure it is safe.
These accidents can be avoided by taking simple steps. A little training, using the right tools, and safety gear can go a long way. Taking shortcuts can cost more than just time; they can cost a life.
