Nail guns are frequently used in construction projects and other industries in Oklahoma. Although they are known to increase productivity, the ease of operating nail guns has sent many construction workers to hospitals. They are powerful tools, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37,000 nail gun injuries are treated in emergency rooms nationwide each year. Almost 70% of those are workplace injuries, with the rest reported by consumers.
Safety authorities say the primary risk factors include unintended discharge of nails when the operator accidentally hits the safety contact while his or her finger is on the trigger. Accidental double-fires can also cause unintentional nail discharge. A nail that penetrate right through the workpiece is another common hazard, as is a nail that ricochets when discharged onto metal frames or hard surfaces. Inaccurate work and missing the target is dangerous, and this often happens when working in awkward positions.
Disregarding safety protocols and bypassing safety mechanisms when working with nail guns can have serious consequences. Safety authorities say severe nail gun accidents have caused fatal injuries. Employers must establish safe nail gun operation procedures, provide the necessary personal protective equipment, and also provide workers with the required safety and operation training.
Oklahoma workers who are victims of nail gun-related workplace injuries might find comfort knowing that the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program. So, even if their own negligence caused the nail gun injury, they would still be eligible for benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can simplify the benefits claims process and help the injured worker to obtain maximum benefits under applicable state laws.