The Dangers that Power and Hand Tools Present to Dallas Construction Workers

Tools, be they power, hand, or pneumatic, are common on all types of Dallas construction sites. Unfortunately, the injuries they cause are also common. Every day, at least one worker is injured by a tool on a construction site in Fort Worth. If you were injured in this way, you understand the real dangers that even the most experienced construction workers face each time they go to work.

The Most Injurious Tools on Dallas Construction Sites

According to Popular Mechanics, the five most dangerous tools are used both by construction workers and do it yourselfers. As Dallas construction site accident lawyers, we agree that their list represents the tools that are most likely to injure construction workers in Texas and across the nation.

1. Circular Saws: Saws are heavily represented on this list, and for good reason. In one study, circular saws made up the largest group of injuries caused by a saw at 30 percent. The blades of a circular saw run faster than table saws and, when not used properly, their portable nature makes them all the more dangerous.
2. Nail and Staple Guns: According to the CDC, nail gun injuries have almost doubled since 2001. In one year, 42,000 people were injured by a staple or nail gun. While the most common injury caused by a nail gun is a puncture wound to the foot or hand, there are times when a nail or staple hits a worker in the head or body. Recently, a Dallas construction worker was hurt when a staple hit his head, punctured his skull, and entered his brain.
3. Chain Saws: Everyone knows that chain saws can be very dangerous. In fact, the average chain saw injury requires 110 stitches. What concerns workplace safety experts, however, is that those using the saws do not take simple, common sense safety tips. For example, when chain saw chaps are worn, they are highly effective at preventing cuts to the legs. Also, good boots and gloves can prevent workers from slipping while using a chain saw.
4. Ladders and Scaffolding: Every three minutes and 45 seconds, someone is seriously injured during a fall from a ladder. Broken legs and feet are common, although head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, also occur. In addition to being a fall hazard, ladders may come in contact with an electrical source, electrocuting anyone on or touching its surface.
5. Table Saws: Each day, an average of 150 people are injured by table saws. This means that every year, 60,000 workers are injured by a table saws blade. The blade of a table saw rotates at over 100 mph, and even with a guard in place, suffering an amputation because of a table saw accident is all too common.

It is crucial that no matter how long you have worked with tools such as those mentioned above, that you never let down your guard or ignore safe working habits. Following safety procedures and measures may take longer, but they can prevent injuries caused by common construction site tools.

If, despite the safe use of tools, you are hurt during an accident on a Dallas construction site, ensure that you are given the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. The best way to do this is by contacting an experienced Texas construction site accident attorney at Guajardo & Marks. You deserve the best representation possible. Call 877.290.1382 today.