Chain saws are used in a variety of jobs including construction and woodworking. Operating a chainsaw can be hazardous, because the machines are designed to slice through thick and heavy materials easily. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration maintains the position that chainsaw safety can be improved if people follow the OSHA guidelines and use proper personal protective equipment when operating these tools.
Before operating a chain saw, the OSHA says that it is important that a worker checks all controls, the chain tension, and all bolts and handles of the tool to make sure that they are all working will. Also, OSHA says that it is important to determine that the chain is always sharp and that the oil tank on the saw is always full. Workers should always start the saw on the ground or a firm table before picking it up, and should never drop start the saw for any reason. Workers need to start their saws at least 10 feet from the fueling area with the chain’s brake engaged.
In addition to this, operators need to clear away all dirt, debris, tree limbs, rocks, and other barriers from a chain saw’s path. If the saw is being used to cut a tree, workers should inspect the trunk to make sure that there are no nails, spikes, or other metal fixtures in the tree before cutting. When workers carry the saw on rough or uneven terrain, they should always shut it off first. This is important because if the worker tripped while the saw was moving it could result in devastating injuries or death. Workers need to keep their hands on the saw handles when working and maintain proper balance.
All workers should be provided with hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head protection when operating this tool to reduce the possibility of an injury and should never wear loose fitting clothing which could get caught and jammed in the saw. IN addition to this, it is important to make sure that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the law. And make sure that the branches won’t spring towards you as the worker when they are cut.
Be cautious of a kick-back when working with a chain saw and do your best to avoid allowing this kick-back to happen. If you are injured by a chain saw while at work, and suffer serious injury, you may be able to seek worker’s compensation from your company. This will be especially necessary if your company violated the OSHA chain saw guidelines and failed to provide you with necessary protection to do your job well. Hire an Oklahoma City worker’s compensation attorney at the firm today for more information!