Saws and cutting blades are integral parts of any construction site - as there will always be a need to cut something. As integral as they are, they also pose a high hazard risk for the user and those within the immediate surroundings of the area where they are being used. This is because if a saw or cutting blade is defective or devoid of required safety features, it can cause serious injuries. This is graphically illustrated with the incidence of a female passerby who was injured by a flying saw blade. 

Saws can be used to cut different materials including wood, metal and masonry. When using saws and cutting blades, workers rely on basic safety features to work with them. If these features fail, workers can fall victim to severe injuries such as lacerations, amputations and even death.

Due to the randomness and speed with which these accidents occur, employers must ensure that every possible precaution is taken to avoid them. The New York State Department of Labor put requirements in the Industrial Code that address the precautions that should be taken. Industrial Code 23-1.12(c) states that 

“[e]very portable, power-driven, hand-operated saw which is not provided with a saw table, except chain saws and circular brush saws, shall be equipped with a fixed guard above the base plate which will completely protect the operator from contact with the saw blade when the saw is operating and with a movable self-adjusting guard below the base plate which will completely cover the saw blade to the depth of the teeth when such blade is removed from the cut.”

Unfortunately, despite this requirement, saw and cutting blade accidents still happen. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries from saw and cutting blade accidents, you most likely fell victim to another party’s negligence. Therefore, you may be entitled to compensation. A competent New York Saw and Cutting Blade Accidents lawyer can help you file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.

Common Saw And Cutting Blade Accidents

Hand and finger injuries resulting from the use of the blade of a power saw e.g. a table or circular saw. Accidents like this generally happen due to the absence of safety guards to protect the user from the spinning blade. The accidents can also be caused by a failure to use a push stick when using a table saw. 

The push stick is an object a saw user uses to clear the cutting area of debris. Workers ought to be trained about this basic safety protocol and provided with the necessary equipment to follow the protocol. Failure to do this can result in workers sustaining serious injuries.

Injuries resulting from the use of dull blades. Dull blades can stall while in use, thus creating a potentially dangerous situation. They also increase the chances of the material being cut to kick back instead of being cut cleanly. It behooves employers to ensure that saws are regularly inspected and all defective parts fixed - including replacing dull blades.

Injuries resulting from flying objects including wood chips, sawdust and other forms of debris. Saws should be used with proper eye protection - even if just a quick cut is required. Failure to do this exposes the eyes to potential injuries.

How do I get compensation for injuries from saw and cutting blade accidents?

You can get compensation in different ways. One way is through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer must have a workers’ compensation plan. With it, you can get compensation which should cover for your medical bills and wages lost due to your inability to work. Another way is to file a personal injury claim. You can also get compensation through a third-party liability claim.

If you or your loved one has suffered injuries from a saw and/or cutting blade accident, you should hire a competent saw and cutting blade accidents lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will walk you through the options you have for getting compensation and depending on the peculiarity of your case, advise you on the option that is best for you.

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