The majority of the injuries involve the hands and lower extremities with less than 10% involving injuries to the head and neck regions. Deaths while operating a chainsaw are extremely rare. The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in.
We present two fatal chainsaw deaths; one with an older style saw, and the other with a modern type. In both cases the victims died from fatal injuries received to the neck region from a chainsaw kickback. The second case involved a 38-year old white male who was operating a newer model chainsaw equipped with a low kickback chain in an unsafe manner.
Chainsaw Injury StatisticsThere is a wealth of impactful information available about chainsaw accidents in the U.S. In 2012, according to OSHA, 243 workers died while engaging in tree-trimming and clearing activities. For at least several decades – and in particular since the introduction of the top-handle chainsaw – it has become common practice to hold tree limbs, branches and other parts of trees with one hand while operating the chainsaw with the other hand. The true reason chainsaw manufacturers have positioned both handles of the top-handle chainsaw over the center of mass is so users can position both of their hands over that center, providing more ergonomic handling when the operator must hold and work with the saw away from the body.
Especially if you are working with a chainsaw alone, it’s best to kit up in every type of chainsaw protection possible. Kent Online reports that Matthew Ovenden, 35, died from loss of blood while working with his chainsaw alone in Canterbury, UK. Online Athens reports that Anthony Mazerika, 78, died after an injury to the throat from a chainsaw kickback incident in Madison County, Iowa. Most towns will have a chainsaw shop that runs chainsaw classes.
The figures are more than 25 years old, so they may be outdated – our chain saws and PPE have changed – and the figures really do not help us separate what might be happening to tree workers operating chain saws every day versus the occasional users, i.e., the weekend woods warriors. Some of their injuries happened while operating chain saws on other properties, such as during a church or school clean-up project, where it seems everyone with a chain saw wants to come out and do the cutting. These were deep lacerations to the back of the lower leg when a climber attached an idling chain saw to the saddle and then continued to climb; while pulling over limbs, twigs caught the throttle, revving up the saw and sending it into the leg.
where do most chainsaw injuries occur Related Question:
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
More than 36 percent were injuries to the legs and knees. Approximately 40 percent of all chainsaw accidents occur to the legs and well over 35 percent occur to the left hand and wrist.
How common are chainsaw injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually. Medical costs for chainsaw injuries based on these facts amount to about 350 million dollars per year.
How do chainsaw accidents happen?
CHAINSAW ACCIDENTS It occurs when the tip of the guide bar and chain contact an object, forcing the guide bar violently backward and upward. Kickbacks can occur in less than one-tenth of a second, causing severe head, face, neck, shoulder, and hand injuries.
What happens if I get cut by a chainsaw?
They may even disrupt underlying tendons, ligaments, and bones. Amputations are uncommon, but do occur. Extremity injuries from chainsaws leave ugly, macerated skin disruptions and lacerations. Even chainsaws that are turned off may cause lacerations and puncture wounds.
What’s the safest chainsaw?
Chainsaws are useful when doing work on your home, but they can feel dangerous to use. It’s not too bad if you know what you’re doing, but it’s so easy to make one wrong move—and then it’s game over. Enter the WORX JawSaw.
Why does chainsaw kickback occur?
As mentioned above, a dull chain can cause kickback, as the teeth will not be able to cut through the wood, which will cause the chain to get stuck and cause kickback. If the nose of the chainsaw bar strikes a log or a hidden branch you will be at risk of kickback.
Can you drill holes in chainsaw bar?
Re: Drilling a Chainsaw Bar Drilling that bar may not be as difficult as you think. It will be best if you use a drill press, start with a pilot hole, and then drill to the size you need. Make sure you have a sharp bit, run at the lowest speed you can, and use cutting fluid.
How do I stop a kickback chainsaw?
Stand to side of the cutting path of the chain saw. Position yourself so that you are not near the cutting attachment when the chain saw is running. Know where the bar tip is at all times. Install a safety tip that covers the nose of the guide bar on the saw to prevent contact with the kickback zone.
How many people have died from chainsaw accidents?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that more than 250 people die annually from chainsaw accidents in the U.S. Thousands more suffer serious injuries. Most chainsaw fatalities involve kickback, which happens when the upper tip of the chainsaw guide bar touches an object.
Can chainsaw cut through bone?
Bones may be slightly tougher, but they are rigid and a chainsaw will likely be able to cut through them without much problem – though it will probably dull the blade more than wood.
What chainsaw do professional loggers use?
Stihl is the most popular chainsaw for professional loggers. It has a long-lasting chain, and you can also enjoy the exceptional cutting speeds available with this brand of chainsaw. Additionally, the chains are high-performance, low vibration, and quiet in their performance.
Are Chinese chainsaws any good?
Inexpensive chainsaws made in China have drawn great interest in the past few years, including brands such as Blue Max, Zomax, and Showbull. It is easy to find these and other cheaply made chainsaws on various internet sites, but it’s typically not worth the risk of a bad-performing saw just to save a few dollars.
Who makes the most reliable chainsaw?
STIHL are still the number one selling chainsaw brand in the USA. The Stihl 271 Farm Boss is a great saw for the small farm owner, or if you have a larger section of land with mature trees, and you need a reliable saw that can handle big jobs on a regular basis.
Where is the kickback zone of a chainsaw?
The term “kickback danger zone” refers to the top of the tip of the chainsaw bar. This area has a high kickback risk. You should never saw using this part of the chain saw bar, since doing so will significantly increase the chances that you will experience kickback.
Why is there a hole in a chainsaw bar?
The hole is part of the manufacturing process when the bar is made at the factory. The milling and heat tempering machines anchor to it and the tail slot. Making a living with a saw since age 16.