Power Tool Injuries in the Woodworking Industry  

Risks and Personal Injury Claims

Power tool injuries in the woodworking industry are a potential hazard as it is typically high risk machinery that is used. If it is not used or maintained properly, these tools can cause severe injuries. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their workers.

Safety measures may include proper training and supervision, machine guards and safety features. Personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices, as well as regular maintenance and inspections are also required.

However, if you have been injured by a power tool while at work, you may be eligible to claim for compensation. For more advice, contact Jefferies Claims today.

Most Dangerous Power Tools

Some power tools pose a higher risks than others due to their design, speed, and function. The following are among the most dangerous in the woodworking industry:

Table Saws – These are responsible for a large portion of woodworking injuries. The high-speed rotating blade may cause severe lacerations, amputations, or kickbacks leading to blunt force trauma.

Circular Saws – Handheld circular saws can cause deep cuts and amputations. This may happen if proper guarding and handling techniques are not used.

Band Saws – Used for intricate cuts, band saws pose a risk of serious cuts and loss of fingers if hands come too close to the moving blade.

Chop Saws and Mitre Saws – These tools have powerful rotating blades that can cause instant amputations or deep lacerations.

Routers – High-speed spinning bits can cause deep cuts and serious injuries, especially if they slip during operation.

Planers and Jointers – These tools can cause hand and finger injuries when feeding wood into the machine improperly.

Nail Guns – High-velocity nails can penetrate deeply into hands, limbs, or even cause fatal injuries if misfired.

Drills – While these may appear less dangerous than the saws, power drills can still cause puncture wounds, entanglements, and lacerations.

Sanders – Sanders can cause severe friction burns, dust inhalation issues, and even kickback injuries if the tool is not securely handled.

Common Power Tool Injuries in the Woodworking Industry

The most common injuries in the woodworking industry due to power tool accidents include:

Lacerations and Cuts – Deep cuts are the most frequent injuries, often caused by saw blades, routers, or chisels.

Amputations – Power saws and jointers can lead to the loss of your fingers or limbs, sometimes requiring emergency surgery and permanent disability.

Fractures and Crush Injuries – Heavy materials, kickbacks from saws, or getting caught in machinery can result in broken bones and severe crushing injuries.

Puncture Wounds – Nail guns and drills can easily penetrate your skin, leading to deep puncture wounds.

Burns – Friction burns from sanders, as well as electrical burns from faulty wiring in power tools, are also common.

Eye Injuries – Wood dust and flying debris can cause eye irritation, infections, or even permanent vision loss if proper protective gear is not worn.

Respiratory Issues – Inhalation of wood dust can lead to occupational asthma, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Head and Facial Injuries – Kickbacks, loose materials, or accidental tool discharges can result in severe facial or head injuries.

Making a Personal Injury Claim for Employer Negligence

If you have been injured by a power tool through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. You must be able to show that your injury was due to the employer’s failure to ensure there were proper safety measures.

It is essential to gather evidence such as accident reports and photos of the injury or unsafe conditions. You should also obtain your medical records with details of the injury.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we will give you the support and understanding you need.

Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page to learn more.