Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by tanya

Common Injuries from Power Tools

 

How to Claim Compensation in the Woodworking Industry

 

With woodworkers frequently handling powerful machinery and sharp tools, there are common injuries from power tools. Due to the hazardous nature of the job, accidents involving power tools may lead to severe injuries.

If your employer has been negligent regarding safety measures and you believe you may be eligible to make a claim, contact First Personal Injury. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

Here Are Common Injuries from Power Tools

 

Workers in the woodworking industry often use power tools such as saws, drills, planers, routers, and sanders. If you do not handle these properly or when safety measures are ignored, you can be seriously injured. Common injuries include:

 

Lacerations and Amputations Circular saws, band saws, and table saws pose significant risks of deep cuts or potentially the loss of fingers or limbs. If you have a momentary lapse in concentration or a mechanical malfunction, can result in a catastrophic injury.

 

Puncture Wounds Nail guns, chisels, and drills can cause puncture wounds, which can lead to infections if not treated properly. Should you misfire a nail gun, nails can penetrate deep into the skin and bone.

 

Eye Injuries Sawdust, wood chips, and debris from cutting and sanding operations can get into your eyes, leading to irritation, scratches, or even permanent vision impairment if protective eyewear is not used.

 

Hearing Damage Prolonged exposure to loud machinery, such as saws and sanders, can cause hearing loss. This is a gradual injury that may not be immediately noticeable for you, but which can have long-term consequences.

 

Respiratory Issues Inhalation of fine wood dust over time can lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or even lung disease. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential to mitigate these risks.

 

Electrical Injuries Faulty wiring, improper use of power tools, or if you use equipment in wet conditions, these can lead to electric shocks or burns. Such injuries may be life-threatening in some cases.

 

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) Constant use of vibrating power tools like sanders and planers can lead to repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or nerve damage.

 

How Accidents Happen

 

Understanding how these accidents occur can help prevent them in the future. Some of the most common causes of injuries are:

 

Lack of Proper Training Inadequate training on the use of power tools and machinery increases the likelihood of accidents. Workers who are unfamiliar with safety protocols may misuse equipment, leading to injuries.

 

Failure to Use Protective Gear Many injuries occur because workers neglect to wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and dust masks.

 

Defective or Poorly Maintained Tools Equipment that is not properly maintained or has manufacturing defects can malfunction unexpectedly, causing serious injuries.

 

Fatigue and Human Error Long working hours and repetitive tasks can lead to fatigue, reducing a worker’s ability to focus. This increases the risk of making mistakes that could result in injuries.

 

Lack of Proper Guarding on Machinery Many power tools come with safety guards. But if these are removed or improperly installed, they can lead to severe accidents.

 

Slippery or Cluttered Workspaces Work areas filled with sawdust, loose tools, or cables create tripping and slipping hazards. This has the potential to lead to falls and injuries.

 

How to Claim Compensation for a Personal Injury

 

If you have suffered an injury due to a power tool accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Your priority after an injury is to get medical help. This ensures you receive the correct treatment, but also creates a medical record as evidence.

It is also important to report the injury to your employer or supervisor about the incident as soon as possible. Additionally, collecting evidence for a possible claim includes photographs of the injury and accident site. It may also include witness statements from co-workers and any maintenance records of the tolls involved.

If you are considering making a claim, you will be required to show employer negligence. This negligence has to be directly linked to how your injury was caused. First Personal Injury can advise you on the process of filing a compensation claim.

 

Reaching out to a trusted claims company can make a significant difference in your journey ahead. At First Personal Injury, we work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and will ensure you receive all the support you need. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online at First Personal Injury to learn more.