Nailed It! Will someone please dial 911?

Just because you have one doesn't mean that you know how to use it.  OSHA and NIOSH have teamed-up to publish a Nail Gun Safety Guide.

“Nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually. In some cases, workers have died from their injuries,” said OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels. “This document will help construction employers make necessary changes to improve nail gun safety and protect their workers from preventable injuries and death.”

While nail guns are easy to operate and can increase productivity, they also can cause internal and external bodily injuries, according to OSHA. These injuries occur as a result of unintended nail discharge; nails that bounce off a hard surface or miss the work piece and become airborne; and disabling the gun’s safety features, among other causes.

The guidance outlines six steps to prevent nail gun injuries:

1. Select the proper product: Use full sequential trigger nail guns.
2. Provide training and keep a log of approved users.
3. Establish written Nail Gun work procedures.
4. Provide PPE and see that it is properly worn.
5. Encourage reporting and discussion of injuries and close calls.
6. Provide first aid and medical treatment.

 Download the guide here: www.osha.gov/Publications/NailgunFinal_508_02_optimized.pdf

Play nice.  Share your tools.  Share your knowledge.

Be careful where you point that thing.