Circular saw misuse is related to upper limb injuries: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Machinery injuries account for a substantial share of traumatic upper limb injuries (TULIs) affecting young active individuals. This study is based on the hypothesis that there is an important relationship between the improper use of power saws and TULIs. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of TULIs caused by power saws and determine the risks related to power saw use. METHODS: A cross-sectional evaluation of medical records from a two-year period was performed. Patients sustaining TULIs related to power saws were analyzed. Data on the epidemiology, site of injury, mechanism of trauma, technical specifications of the tool, cutting material, personal protective equipment, time lost and return to work were obtained. RESULTS: A database search retrieved 193 TULI records, of which 104 were related to power saws. The majority of patients were male (102/104; 98.1%), right-handed (97/104; 93.3%), and manual workers (46/104; 44.2%), with an average age of 46.8 years. The thumb was the most frequently injured site (32/93; 34.4%). Most of the injuries were caused by manual saws (85/104; 81.7%), and masonry saws accounted for 68.2% (58/85) of the cases. Masonry saws improperly used for woodwork resulted in 86.2% (50/58) of the injuries. TULI caused by masonry saws was 5 times higher in manual workers than in other patients. In addition, masonry saws had a risk of kickback 15 times higher than that of other saws, and the risk of injury increased by 5.25 times when the saws were used improperly for wood cutting. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of TULIs related to power saws was demonstrated and was mainly associated with manual saws operated by manual workers that inappropriately used masonry saws for woodworking.

An Application of a Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach in Managing Equipment Hazards in Woodworking

“…The results indicate that "kickback safeguards" (WEH26) is the most essential WEH with an aggregate optimal weight of 0.0874. Several studies have indicated particular importance to kickback of stock as among the most common hazards associated with woodworking equipment (e.g., [4,23,24]). Kickbacks can occur when a blade like that of a saw seizes the stock and hurls it back at the operator.…”

“…Masse [23] proposed an innovative design of multipoint anti-kickback fingers for woodworking equipment. Some studies also propose a design for spreaders, gauge, and rip fences (e.g., [4,24,25]). The results of this paper suggest that, in low-income settings, especially those in developing countries, should focus on innovation that addresses kickback.…”

A characterization of home maintenance equipment-related hand and lower arm injuries

“…13 Additionally, our results that adults in their 50s are most likely to experience injuries due to home improvement supplies are corroborated by other studies showing that middle-aged adults tend to be most susceptible to injuries from power tools. 14 Our study provides information that can be used to prioritize patient groups who are in danger of home-appliance related injuries and in need of intervention. Knowing that saws are most likely to cause injuries in those who are older, and that amputations increase with age, for instance, enables us to provide suggestions regarding treatment in this demographic; saw injury usage indeed is declining, but progress may be expedited through targeted interventions.…”

Avaliação de lesões por serra circular em um centro de referência em microcirurgia e reimplantes

“…Circular saw injuries occur predominantly in males, possibly due to the association with woodwork activities, which are typically performed by men. Frank et al 2 3 described a sample of 114 patients, with only 8 females, while Selig et al 5 reported a male predominance with a ratio of 7:1, and Sabongi et al 6 reported a sample composed of 98.1% of male patients. Fikry et al 1 and Hassine et al 4 reported an exclusively male sample, similar to that observed in the present study.…”

“…DiscussãoAs lesões por serra circular ocorrem predominantemente no sexo masculino, possivelmente devido a associação com atividades de marcenaria, tipicamente exercidas por homens. Frank et al2,3 descreveram uma amostra de 114 pacientes, sendo somente 8 do sexo feminino, ao passo que Selig et al5 relataram uma predominância masculina com razão de 7:1, e Sabongi et al6 relataram uma amostra que continha 98,1% de pacientes do sexo masculino. Fikry et al1 e Hassine et al4 relataram uma amostra exclusivamente masculina, semelhante ao que foi observado no presente estudo.…”