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12 Power Tool Injury Statistics: 2024 Update
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
The most common injuries in the construction industry and DIY projects are caused by power tools. They can result from unprotected work, power tool malfunction, or human error. Still, it’s good to educate yourself on safety when using power tools so that you can prevent injuries from happening.
Per OSHA, the most common injuries that were caused by power tools include electric shock, eye injuries, puncture wounds, crushing injuries, and amputations.
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Power Tool Injury Frequency
1. Yearly, there are over 960,000 injuries caused by power tools.
(INJURYCLAIMCOACH)
As you can see by the numbers, there are over 960,000 injuries that are caused by power tools each year. Most of them happen due to not using the tool properly or not having enough experience to use the power tool. These numbers would drastically fall if everyone who’s using power tools would respect the safety protocols.
Image Credit: Bosch Power Tool, Amazon
2. There are over 200 deaths each year that are caused by power tools.
(INJURYCLAIMCOACH)
The number of deaths caused by power tools yearly is not too high, but it’s still concerning. The number decreased in 2020 and 2021 due to the effects of the pandemic.
3. 29,000 emergency room department visits were caused by table saw mishaps.
(FRANKEIDSON)
29,000 emergency room department visits were caused by table saw mishaps, which is not too strange. Table saws can be dangerous, even for people with plenty of experience. Don’t allow your mind to wander while you’re using a table saw, and always have an emergency kit nearby in case something happens.
Image Credit: Bilanol, Shutterstock
Main Injuries, Causes, And Injured People Profile
4. A survey by NCBI shows that the average age of people who got hurt is 53.2 years.
(NCBI)
The average age of people who got hurt by a power tool is 53.2 years. Today, the construction industry primarily employs middle-aged workers. These days, young people are less interested in construction jobs due to the rise in other industries that don’t require physical work.
5. Males suffer from more power tool injuries than females.
(ESPACE)
There’s no wonder that males suffer more from power tool injuries than females. That is mainly because more men work in construction than women. This might change in the future because more women are beginning to gain interest in DIY projects and are using power tools more often.
6. The main cause of injuries in the construction industry in the US is contact with piercing or cutting objects like saws, nail guns, and drills.
(FRANKEIDSON)
Piercing or cutting objects and power tools have been the leading cause of injuries in the construction industry in the US. You can easily get cut even when you’re doing your job carefully; another worker’s mistake can cause an injury.
7. More injuries have happened in non-occupational settings than in occupational ones.
(NCBI)
More injuries have occurred in non-occupational settings than in occupational ones, and that’s pretty normal. People who are employed in an occupation that requires power tools usually have more experience and knowledge than those attempting DIY projects. It’s vital to educate yourself on the proper usage, possible injuries, and other details when using a power tool to reduce the chances of getting hurt.
Image Credit: maksimee, Shutterstock
8. The most common type of injury was tendon injury.
(NCBI)
The most common injury is a tendon injury. Other common injuries are finger injuries, which can easily happen if you are using saws and drills, wrist injuries, and eye injuries.
Power Tools That Cause The Most Injuries
9. Per OSHA, the most common injuries that were caused by power tools include electric shock, eye injuries, puncture wounds, crushing injuries, and amputations.
(OSHA)
OSHA did a study to show which injuries are among the most common. Most of these are not fatal, but some can result in death and severe injuries.
Image Credit: Pixabay
10. Powered drills are associated with a high percentage of maximum addressable injuries.
(CPSC)
Powered drills are one of the most commonly used power tools, so there’s no wonder they have a high percentage of injuries. There can be a malfunction with the power drill, your attention span might not be at its best, or you might just be inexperienced. All of these factors can lead to injuries caused by a power drill, so always try to be alert to prevent issues from happening.
11. If workers are not wearing appropriate eye protection, welding, cutting, and soldering eye injuries can easily happen.
(CPSC)
If a worker is not wearing the proper eye protection, injuries are likely to occur. They can lead to permanent eye damage or even blindness. Most severe eye injuries are permanent and cannot be treated. For your safety, it’s crucial to have the appropriate protective gear, including eye protection.
Image Credit: Tony Wear, Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Tool Injuries
What are power tools?
Power tools are actuated by an additional source of power, other than manual labor. Power tools are usually used by people working in the construction industry and by people who like to do DIY projects. Power tools can be divided into stationary and portable tools. These are some of the most common power tools people use: drills, jackhammers, jigsaws, miter saws, sanders, reciprocating saws, table saws, etc…
What injuries can be caused by power tools?
Endless problems can occur when a power tool is not used correctly. Some of the most common injuries they cause are electrocution and puncture wounds, but several more are possible. Before using a power tool, make sure that you are adequately protected. Also, if possible, test the tool out so that you are sure it’s functioning.
Image Credit: Pixabay
What are the main causes of power tool accidents?
There are multiple reasons that a power tool injury can occur. The most common are accidents, not paying enough attention when working, not wearing the proper protective gear, and inexperience. If you are unsure of how to use a certain tool, consult someone who has the knowledge and can give you valuable tips. Ensure you are always alert at work and pay attention to what you are doing. And finally, wear all the necessary protective and safety gear.
How many hand injuries do power tools cause each year?
Hand injuries are prevalent when using power tools. Most incidents occur using electric saws, chain saws, and hand grinders. From 2011 to 2014, there were 261 cases of hand injuries that were caused by power tools. This number is probably grossly undervalued, as many injuries go unreported.
Conclusion
Power tool injuries are prevalent for construction workers and DIYers, and you need to be cautious when using a power tool for your safety and the safety of others around you. It’s a good idea to learn about possible injuries and how to avoid them before using a new power tool. If you feel inexperienced with a power tool, it’s best not to use it than to have a lifetime injury that cannot be healed.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
