Table saw injuries: epidemiology and a proposal for preventive measures

Abstract

Background: Table saws are ubiquitous devices in professional, home, and school woodshops that have the potential to cause severe injuries. Many of these injuries results in finger and thumb tendon, nerve, and vascular damage or amputation. Long-term outcomes of these injuries can include functional and sensory deficits. Table saw manufacturers are required to equip saws with blade guards to prevent blade contact; nevertheless, treatment of table saw injuries is a common occurrence in U.S. emergency departments.

Methods: The authors performed a literature search using PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to compile epidemiology data relevant to table saw injuries. The authors also reviewed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's briefing package on table saw blade contact injuries.

Results: Over 30,000 table saw injuries occur annually. Fingers and hands are the most frequently injured body parts, and lacerations are the most common injuries. Individuals suffering from occupational injuries tend to be younger than those injured during amateur woodworking. A small but important minority of injuries are to students participating in school shop classes. Medical costs for the treatment of table saw injuries are estimated at more than $2 billion every year.

Conclusions: SawStop technology stops the saw blade when contact with skin is made, resulting in a small cut rather than a more complicated laceration or amputation. The application of this novel technology in saw designs can prevent serious injuries that deleteriously affect lives at the personal and societal levels.

Figure 1

Table saw with blade guard in place

Figure 2

Blade guard action while cutting. Note that there is no protection from front-approach blade contact

Figure 3

Literature search and screening CINAHL: the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature