Nail guns are a common sight in workshops and construction sites across Maryland. When used appropriately, they can increase productivity and efficiency at work.
However, it is important to remember that nail guns are a powerful piece of equipment. According to the CDC, nail guns result in 37,000 emergency room visits annually and 68% of these visits involve workers. It only takes one small error or malfunction for something to go horribly wrong. Outlined below are a few examples of how nail gun accidents can occur.
Faulty equipment
Any tool that has the potential to be dangerous must be routinely maintained. Older equipment is more likely to malfunction. Usually, nail guns have safety mechanisms in place, such as guards. If these are bypassed or missing, then it makes an accident and injury much more likely.
Underestimating the power
Nail guns can penetrate all sorts of tough materials, especially wood. If a piece of wood is not very thick, it’s possible that the nail could penetrate all the way through to the other side, catching the nail gun operator off guard and posing injury risks.
Nails can also ricochet when using the tool on certain surfaces like metal. When this happens, the nail essentially becomes a missile that can penetrate flesh and cause serious damage to the eyes.
Preventing nail gun injuries
Employers have a legal duty to ensure that workers are as safe as possible. This includes taking preventative measures like maintaining tools, providing appropriate safety gear and facilitating adequate training. Proper training is especially important, both for new and experienced workers. This can help workers understand the tool’s different triggers, how to hold and load the nail gun, what to do when it malfunctions and more.
If you have suffered an injury on the job, then you may want to consider your options regarding workers’ compensation. An experienced attorney can help you understand your next steps.
