Circular Saw Accidents

Did you recently suffer an on-the-job injury while handling a circular saw at work in New York City? Circular saws, while essential in many industries, can cause serious injuries if workers lack sufficient training or safety measures. Defective circular saws can also cause severe injuries to operators and people nearby.

The experienced workplace circular saw accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm, stand ready to protect your interests during a personal injury claim and work to seek the maximum compensation you deserve for the harm you suffered.

Contact our firm today to learn more in a free case review.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Circular Saws

Power saw accidents in the workplace often result from a few common contributing factors. Some examples of the most common causes include:

• Improper training – Many accidents happen because workers lack proper training on how to use circular saws safely. Employers should ensure workers receive adequate instructions on operating these power tools, including handling techniques and safety guidelines.
• Lack of safety equipment – Not using the right safety gear, like safety glasses and gloves, can lead to severe injuries from power tools like a circular saw. Employers should provide workers with the necessary protective equipment.
• Defective saws – Circular saws with defects or maintenance issues are a significant hazard. Regular checks and maintenance are essential to ensure that all equipment functions correctly.
• Inadequate safety guards – Safety guards on circular saws prevent accidental contact with the saw blade. If the blade guard is missing or not functioning correctly, the risk of injury increases.
• Improper blade use – Using the wrong blade for a specific material or task can lead to kickbacks or loss of control. Using a dull saw blade can be just as dangerous as using the wrong one. Employers must provide the correct blades and ensure their sharpness for safe operation.

Types of Injuries Associated with Circular Saws

Circular saw accidents in NYC workplaces can result in a wide range of occupational injuries, many of which can be severe. Here are some common examples of injuries from circular saws:

What Not to Do with a Circular Saw: Safety and Preventative Measures

Using power saws is a dangerous task, even with the right gear, training, and attentiveness. Here’s what not to do when handling a circular saw:

• Do not use a circular saw without proper training.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while operating the saw.
• Do not remove safety guards from the saw.
• Do not use a saw with a dull or inappropriate blade.
• Do not operate the saw without checking its condition first.
• Do not force the saw through the cutting material if the blade binds.
• Do not use the saw in a cluttered or wet area.
• Do not use the saw without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Do not leave the saw plugged in when not in use.
• Do not make cuts without securing the cutting material.
• Do not use the saw while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not operate the saw without a clear view of the cutting path.
• Do not override the saw’s safety features.
• Do not rush while using the saw.

OSHA Guidelines for Circular Saw Use

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations for circular saw use that aim to keep employees safe. Here’s an overview of those regulations:

• Guards for portable saws – If a portable circular saw has a blade over two inches in diameter, it must have guards above and below the base. The upper guard should cover the saw up to the teeth, allowing for bevel cuts. The lower guard should also cover the saw to the teeth’s depth, retracting only when cutting.
• Power switches – All handheld powered circular saws larger than two inches in diameter, including electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic chain saws, need a constant pressure switch or throttle. The switch or throttle should turn the saw off automatically when the user releases pressure.
• Hoods for hand-fed ripsaws – Each hand-fed circular ripsaw should have a hood guarding the saw above the table and the material it’s cutting. The hood should adjust automatically to the material’s thickness, protecting the user from flying splinters and broken saw teeth.

Steps to Take After an Accident with a Circular Saw

If you suffer a circular saw injury at work in New York, you should take immediate and appropriate actions to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you can do:

• Seek first aid or medical attention right away.
• Inform your doctor that the injury is work-related.
• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans.
• Report the injury to your supervisor or manager.
• Document the accident scene, if possible.
• Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Keep a record of your injury and symptoms.
• Keep all medical appointments and treatment records.
• Keep a record of any time missed from work.
• Document all expenses related to your injury.
• Contact our knowledgeable work injury attorneys as soon as possible.

New York Labor Law and Circular Saw Injuries

New York Labor Law 200 protects workers by requiring employers to maintain safe working conditions. If you suffer an injury from a circular saw accident at work, Labor Law 200 could play a key role in your injury claim. Your employer must ensure that your work area and any power tools you use at work, like circular saws, are safe and properly maintained. If your employer neglects this duty and you get hurt as a result, you might be able to hold them liable.

A successful claim under the Labor Law could provide you with compensation that exceeds what is available from workers’ compensation. For example, an injured worker could receive compensation for the full amount of lost wages (workers’ compensation covers only two-thirds of them, up to a limit), as well as money for pain, suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other intangibles.

Our attorneys are ready to review the particular circumstances of your saw-related injuries and analyze all of your options for pursuing maximum benefits from every available source.

Contact a Circular Saw Work Injury Lawyer in New York

If you’ve experienced a saw injury at work, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Perecman Firm, is here to help. Our team understands the challenges you face, and we are ready to provide the support and guidance you need.

Contact us now for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, answer your questions, and outline how we can assist you in seeking the total compensation you deserve.