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OSHA Alert Chainsaw Recall

January 29th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

OSHA recently issued a warning on two brands of chainsaw that are widely used in industry. The agency wants every employer to be aware of a recent recall that affects U. S. worker safety. The chainsaw’s plastic front handle may break during heavy use. When this occurs, the saw is difficult to control and severe lacerations may occur. Two brands of chain saws popular for industrial use in construction, lumbering, landscaping and other industries have been recalled by the manufacturers.

The two types of chain saw affected by this OSHA Alert Chainsaw recall are Troy-Bilt and Craftsman brand chain saws powered by a two-cycle gasoline engine ranging in size from 46cc to 55cc. They are equipped with either an 18-inch or a 20-inch cutting blade. There are four Troy-Bilt models affected. The Craftsman “Incredi-Pull” model is also affected. This is a 55cc two-cycle gasoline engine with an 18-inch bar.

OSHA has received several reports of workers losing control of the saw when the handle broke. In one case, severe cuts occurred. One worker reported severe bruising and a wrist sprain, while another received burns to the fingers from the hot muffler when he lost control of the saw.

Workers should stop using the products immediately. Both chainsaws have been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and OSHA. Employers should contact the manufacturer or Connecticut OSHA for information on a free safety kit with replacement handle and installation instructions.

Employers are strongly urged to protect workers’ health by removing the chainsaws from the workplace until they are properly equipped with safety features. Using the saws without the added safety kit can result in severe injuries and even death.

Working in conjunction with OSHA on this measure is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC protects the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting workers, consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.