Free First Aid Newsletter!
Discuss in my Forum

Top 5 Power Tool Injuries

Updated June 15, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:

Ever notice how most power tools look like weapons? I don't think it's an accident. Nail guns are even named after their insidious cousins. In no particular order, here are common injuries that come from the most common power tools found at home.

1. Cuts

Motorized saws are everywhere. Some jiggle and some spin. They all cut, and people are a lot easier to cut than wood or metal. Some of these lacerations can be really deep and dangerous.

2. Amputations

While we're on the subject of saws, cutting off fingers is a favorite pastime of many table and band saws. Remember, if it cuts things in half for a living, it can take off an arm or two.

3. Impaled Objects

They're called nail guns for a reason. Don't just pull out the nail - you may make the injury worse.

4. Eye Injures

Using eye protection is important when using power tools. If you don't, then you'd better know what to do for eye injuries.

5. Broken Bones

Power tools have a habit of twisting and turning. When they get out of control, they can exert enough pressure to break bones.

Suggested Reading

Guide since 2006

Rod Brouhard
First Aid Guide

Sign up for my Newsletter

About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

First Aid

Also from About.com: