Nail guns are very common in the construction industry. They have basically replaced the hammer and have boosted productivity in laborious nailing tasks. There are approximately 37,000 emergency room visits each year due to nail gun injuries. However, many injuries go unreported. Injuries often happen due to lack of protective equipment or lack of training on nail gun use.
Although most injuries are to the hands or fingers, the most serious nail gun injuries occur to the spinal cord, head, neck, or eye. If you injured yourself with a nail gun, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, depending on the circumstances.
Safety Recommendations
To follow the recommended Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, a worker must:
- Ensure the tool meets all applicable OSHA guarding standards.
- Wear safety glasses with a side shield.
- Never attempt to modify or circumvent a safety feature.
- Consider using a sequential gun that requires both the trigger and the nose of the gun to be dressed before firing.
- Position yourself and your free hand out of the line of fire and be aware of co-workers in the area who could be injured while you are nailing a surface.
- Be mindful of where you point the gun. Do not point a nail gun at any person for any reason.
- Read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions when using a nail gun.
Some Safety Problems with Nail Guns
Injuries can be reduced if you use a nail gun with a single shot or a full sequential trigger. Other nail guns such as those with a contract trip trigger can result in the unexpected discharge of a nail. A nail gun with a bump or an automatic trigger can also result in the unexpected discharge of nails.
Steps for Employers
Employers should establish nail gun work procedures and provide protective equipment especially designed for working with nail guns. Additionally, employers should encourage employees to report all nail gun injuries, even if they are minor. First aid should be available and also be administered on the jobsite.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Can Help If You Have Been Injured as a Result of a Nail Gun on a Worksite
If you have been injured at your worksite by a nail gun, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. Additionally, depending on the facts of the case, injured workers could possibly be entitled to additional types of recovery. Employers may be required to take steps to remediate hazardous conditions or provide additional training or safety equipment.
Our dedicated Downingtown worker’s compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC will evaluate your case. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 to schedule a free consultation. With an office in Exton, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.