South Carolina Workers Compensation Attorneys

Nail guns are used on a daily basis on many construction sites, especially in residential construction. While nail guns may increase efficiency, they also result in tens of thousands of severe injuries each year.

In fact, nail gun injuries are so common that a study of apprentice carpenters determine:
• 2 out of 5 were injured using a nail gun during their 4 years of training.
• 1 out of 5 were injured twice.
• 1 out of 10 were injured three or more times.

Not surprisingly, nail guns are responsible for an estimated 37,000 emergency room visits each and every year.

Several nail gun injuries and accidents have resulted in death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) claims about two-thirds of nail gun injuries occur in framing and sheathing work. Injuries also regularly occur in roofing and exterior siding and finishing.

Nail Gun Injuries are Under-reported.

When they do occur, many victims do not report the injury and do not request or receive any medical treatment.

Reducing the Risk of Nail Gun Injury

Risk factors that increase the chance of a nail gun injury include the type of trigger system and the amount of training received.

The risk of a nail gun injury is twice as high when a multi-shot contact trigger is used as opposed to a single-shot sequential trigger nailer.

OSHA offers the following steps that contractors can take to reduce the likelihood of a nail gun injury:

1) Use full sequential trigger nail guns;
2) Provide training;
3) Establish nail gun work procedures;
4) Provide personal protective equipment (PPE);
5) Encourage reporting and discussion of injuries and close calls; and
6) Provide first aid and medical treatment.

Click here to read more nail gun safety tips.

By: South Carolina Workers Compensation Attorney Pete Strom