Common Types of Nail Gun Accidents
Double Fire
When the nailer accidentally contacts the workpiece after recoil, it can cause a second unintended firing and injure the contractor.
At all times, and especially when doing precise work, be sure that you can pull the gun fully away after recoil. Never push too hard on the gun to compensate for recoil - you risk unintentional contact with the workpiece.
These types of accidents are most common with contact trigger nailers. If possible, use a full sequential trigger gun.
Airborne Nails
On occasion, a nail shot from a gun will blow through the work, miss it entirely, or strike a hard surface and ricochet away. These nails become airborne projectiles and can injure bystanders or the contractor using the nailer.
Nail Pass-Through
If nails hit weak spots in the wood, they can pass through the workpiece. This is most dangerous when the contractor is manually stabilizing the wood. In this case, the nail can easily penetrate and injure the hand.
Awkward Position Work
Contractors occasionally have to fire nail guns from unstable positions, such as:
- Above shoulder height
- From a ladder
- In tight quarters, or
- Holding the gun with the non-dominant hand
Because full control is not possible from these positions, the risk of injury is higher.
Disabled Safety Mechanisms
Some contractors will modify the safety mechanisms on their nailers to make firing easier. This often leads to unintended firing and is a common source of injury. For this reason, OSHA's construction standard requires that all manufacturer safety features be maintained in proper working order.
So how do you avoid nail gun accidents, in these situations or others?
Nail Gun Safety Tips
Nail guns have become the industry standard for wood frame construction. They are easy to use, more powerful than a hammer, and enable contractor crews to complete projects faster. Unsurprisingly, nail gun accidents are also among the most common and dangerous incidents that occur at worksites.
Commercial contractors can help mitigate nail gun risks and job site accidents through a combination of awareness, training, and business insurance.
5 Common Nail Gun Accidents
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, nail gun accidents send 37,000 people to the emergency room every year. More than half of those visits are work-related injuries that may result in workers comp claims. The most common incidents include.
Double Fire
If the nailer accidentally touches the workpiece after recoiling, it can fire an unintended second nail that may injure the contractor. These often occur when using contact trigger nailers. .
Airborne Nails
Occasionally a nail will blow through the material, miss it entirely, or strike a hard surface and ricochet away. These nails become airborne projectiles that can injure bystanders or the worker.
Nail Pass-Through
Nails that hit weak spots in the wood can pass through entirely. Loose nails can cause injuries if a contractor stabilizes the wood with his hands. .
Awkward Positions
Contractors often need to fire nail guns from unstable positions where precise control is not possible. Examples include working above shoulder height, from a ladder, in tight quarters, or holding the gun in the non-dominant hand. .
Disabled Safety Mechanisms
Some contractors modify the safety mechanisms on their nailers to make firing easier. Modification can lead to unintended firing and is a common source of injury. For this reason, OSHA's construction standards require that all manufacturer safety features be maintained. .
Now that you understand the most common nail gun risks, how do you avoid accidents, injuries, and the resulting workers compensation claims.
6 Nail Gun Safety Tips
A combination of training, protective gear, and prudence can help contractors reduce their risk of nail gun-related injuries. Workers should also verify that their employers have business insurance. .
Here are 6 best practices you can use to manage risk at your worksite.
Train for Safety
Every contractor should complete a training program before using a nail gun. The program should cover company work policies, the use of protective equipment, and post-injury procedure. Provide hands-on training for.
- Loading and firing a nail gun
- Proper technique for holding your workpiece
- Safe approaches to awkward position work and ricochet-prone surfaces
- Work with the trigger model on the nailer
Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Do not pick up a nail gun unless you wear a hard hat, high-impact safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, and safety shoes. Employers should provide these items at no cost to their workers. .
Follow Manufacturer Instructions and Safety Procedures
Nailer manufacturers publish rules for nail gun safety and use. Read the nailer manual and make sure it is available on the job site. Do not disable the safety features. Emphasize manufacturer recommendations during your training programs.
Do a Safety Check Before Work
Verify that all workers wear appropriate safety gear and make sure your nailer and any power sources are working. Check your lumber for weak spots and ricochet risks.
Avoid the Nailer
Never aim the nail gun toward your body, and always keep your hands at least 12 inches away from the contact point. Consider using clamps if you need to stabilize the workpiece further.
Avoid Using a Nail Gun at Height or in Awkward Positions (if possible)
Assess your risks before driving nails from awkward positions. A hammer may be safer for:
- Working at head height (or higher)
- Work in a tight space
- Anything out of reach while holding the nailer in your dominant hand
Consider using scaffolding instead of a ladder. If that is not possible, choose a full sequential trigger nailer and keep three limbs on the ladder at all times.
Accidents Do Happen
Even when you follow safety procedures, nail gun accidents can happen. Seek immediate medical attention if an accident occurs. Services like Selective’s Nurse Triage 24, a hotline that connects injured employees with registered nurses who advise the correct course of action, can help produce the best outcomes for workers and business owners.
Remember to report all incidents and close calls to your supervisor or safety representative. This information is critical for workers comp claims.
Nail guns can cause serious injuries. But you can mitigate those risks if you follow the guidelines above and protect your business and employees with the right business insurance coverage.
Contact an independent insurance agent today to learn more about how Selective can help you keep your employees and business safe.