Construction accidents
A fast power tool can chop your fingers off in a second
Everybody knows that power tools are often fast moving and when turned on, commence movement immediately. If a power tool is not properly held or used, fingers and hands can be chopped off in the instant off a construction accident. The most important thing a worker needs to know before they even start using a power tool is how to turn it off. Employers who neglect to ensure their employees receive the necessary training in the operation of these tools risk having to pay out compensation for work accident claims.
In many types of businesses, hand and power tools are used every day as they make work easier and allow employees to be more efficient. Virtually all power tool accidents can be prevented. However, simple health and safety steps that should be followed in order to avoid a construction accidents of this type are often ignored.
Older tools are more of a concern as they may not have safety features installed. If you regularly use power tools and the ones you are using are old, dated or worn, have you asked your employer for a more up-to-date versions?
Failing to properly use and maintain electric-powered tools causes thousands of cuts, puncture wounds, amputations and electrocutions in the UK every year. A company called Sawstop in the USA has developed a technology that can distinguish between solid wood and a user's finger, allowing the cutting blade to stop in five milliseconds.
New technology is being developed all the time to make power tools operate more intelligently. The ultimate aim of these technologies is to reduce the number of personal injuries resulting from power tool construction accidents. Read more and view videos which show saws that stop when they detect something other than wood at www.sawstop.com.
Avoiding power tool construction accidents
We have put together some valuable advice about how you could avoid suffering a power tool construction accident:
- Only use tools for the task they are designed for
- Do not use tools that are worn or damaged and inspect tools carefully
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully
- Remove loose clothing and jewellery before using a power tool
- Wear protective equipment, such as goggles for the eyes, if necessary
- Never carry a tool by the cord
- Make sure the cord is not frayed
- Don't use a power tool near water.
Making a construction accident compensation claim
If power tools are used incorrectly, you can lose your fingers or hands in only a few seconds. Nerves that are severed can seriously affect your hand mobility and prevent you from carrying out manual or physical labour in the future.
If you work daily with power tools and have suffered a personal injury as a result of faulty equipment through no fault of your own, you may be able to make a claim for an work accident compensation.
Our team are experts in dealing with personal injury cases and our panel of no win, no fee solicitors have forged a proud success rate.
Call us now on 0800 10 757 95 and we will talk you through the construction accident claim process in plain English, without using legal jargon.
