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12 Power Tool Injury Statistics (2022 update)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
One of the most common injuries in the construction industry and DIY are caused by power tools. They can be a result of unprotected work, power tool malfunction, or human error. Still, it’s good to educate yourself on safety and protection 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, yearly there are over 960,000 injuries that are caused by power tools. Most of them happen due to not using the tool properly or just not having enough needed experience to use the given power tool. These numbers would drastically fall if everyone who’s using power tools would respect the safety protocol given for the tool.
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 has slightly dropped down in 2020 and 2021 due to the usage of power tools being dropped down because of COVID. One of the main tips to remain safe is to follow the safety procedures for the tool you are using to prevent injuries or possible death.
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, and that is not too strange. Table saws can be dangerous, even for people with plenty of experience, because accidents do happen. 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, there are mostly middle-aged people who are in the construction industry and DIY, therefore this is the average age. These days, young people are less interested in such 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 the male gender suffers more from power tool injuries than the female one. That is mostly because, men are usually the ones doing harder, physical work and there are not too many females working in the industry. This might change in the future because more and more women are beginning to gain interest in DIY projects, and therefore they 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 main cause of injuries in the construction industry in the US. You can easily get a piercing or cutting would, even when you’re doing your job carefully. Always make sure you are familiar with the power tool you are using and try to pay attention to what you’re doing at every moment.
7. More injuries have happened in non-occupational settings than in occupational ones.
(NCBI)
More injuries have happened in non-occupational settings than in occupational ones, and that’s pretty normal. People who are employed in an occupation that requires the usage of power tools usually have more experience and knowledge than people who are non-occupational in the industry. An important thing is to educate yourself on the proper usage, possible injuries, and all other details when using a certain power tool, to lower 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 tendon injury, and there are other ones that are happening often. Other common injuries are finger injuries which can easily happen if you are using any type of saw and drill, wrist injuries, and eye injuries. As mentioned multiple times, follow the safety protocols to lower the chances of an injury happening to you while using power tools.
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. We listed some in the fact above, but per OSHA, the most common injuries when using power tools are electric shock, eye injuries, puncture wounds, crushing injuries, and amputations. Most of these are not fatal, but some can even result in death or life handicap.
Image Credit: Pixabay
10. Powered drills are associated with a high percentage of maximum addressable injuries.
(CPSC)
Powered drills are one of the commonly used power tools, so there’s no wonder that they have a high percentage of maximum addressable 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 things 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, welding, cutting, and soldering eye injuries can easily happen. They can lead to permanent eye damage or even blindness. Most eye damages are permanent and cannot be treated to full recovery. 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 tools that are actuated by an additional source of power and mechanism, other than just manual labor and using hand tools. 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 that people use: drill, jackhammer, jigsaw, miter saw, sander, etc…
What injuries can be caused by power tools?
When it comes to injuries that power tools can cause, there are endless problems that can occur when a power tool is not used properly. Some of the most common injuries they cause are electrocution and puncture wounds, although there are many more that can happen. Before you start using a power tool, make sure that you are properly protected. Also, if possible, test the tool out so that you are sure it’s functioning properly.
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 ones 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, if possible, consult yourself with someone who has the knowledge and can give you useful tips. Make sure that 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 very common when using power tools. Most incidents occur when 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 very common and there are multiple things that can lead to them. For your safety, and the safety of others around you, you need to be cautious when using a power tool. Prepare yourself for the usage, read and learn about possible injuries, problems, and how to avoid them. If you feel that you are not experienced with a certain power tool, it’s best to not 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.
