Nail Gun Accidents Too Common at Construction Sites
The last time you took a look at a nail gun, did you have any idea what pain and misery they can cause when they become involved in a work accident? The truth is, these highly dangerous tools (when used improperly) can penetrate the skin of a victim and put him or her at a very high risk of internal injuries. Even though these nail guns have been subject to many injuries each and every year, hardware stores continue to sell them in the hopes that do-it-yourself carpenters will finish the work that they aim to without understanding the risks and consequences. The truth is, one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace stem from equipment use, mainly improper use. Far too many employers teach employees the dangers of the equipment they are using, which leads to more injuries.
Construction work is becoming more in-demand than ever before. Because of this, there has been a rise in sales of equipment that is used to complete these jobs. For instance, more workers are now purchasing nail guns due to the “building boom,” which leads to more injuries in the long run. From 2003 to 2006, you may be surprised to know that approximately 1,890 nail gun injuries occurred. This is why more and more emergency room doctors are preaching the facts: That nail guns are dangerous, and should always be used with caution.
Types of Injuries
Of course, there is not one single type of nail gun injury. Instead, you may find that there are many different types of accidents that can occur while using this equipment. The CDC has found that many nail gun injuries will include those that occur in the upper extremities such as the hands and fingers. Here are some of the most common:
- Nails embedded in body
- Fractures from nail penetration
- Infected wounds
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Sprains
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Nerve damage from tool usage
- Finger dislocations from lifting tools
- Electrical burns
- Hearing difficulty from nail gun noise
The fact of the matter is this: These injuries are very real and can happen to you in the blink of an eye. You may never expect some of the most common accidents, such as unintended nail discharge from a double fire, nail penetration through a lumber work piece, awkward position nailing, and more. Consider this: A construction worker could accidentally back into one of these dangerous pieces of equipment and it could shoot off just like that – penetrating the skin wherever it hits, possibly piercing the construction worker to his or her death. These accidents can be prevented through safety training and more. Regardless, employers are aware of the dangers around pieces of equipment that can pierce through skin.
Reducing the Likelihood of Injuries
There are many steps that you can take if you work in a construction zone where nail gun use is prevalent. Employers can listen to this important information to prevent injuries:
- Using sequential trigger nail guns
- Providing special training
- Establishing nail gun work procedures
- Providing personal protective equipment
- Encouraging reporting and discussion of injuries
- Providing specific first aid and medical treatment when necessary
If employers and employees learn the important information and safety steps regarding nail gun accidents, they can work on preventing them. This is why it is important to learn from the accidents that have occurred in the past. If you have been injured due to a nail gun injury, call us today for more information. We can help you with your personal injury claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
