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Workers in Alabama should be aware of a potential product safety issue, according to a recent Alabama OSHA Alert. The warning was issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and CPSC, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Employers and employees are being warned that two brands of chainsaw, widely used in industries such as construction, landscaping and lumbering, are defective. The plastic handles can snap, causing workers to lose control of the saw.

OSHA is urging employers to discontinue use of the chainsaws immediately. Contact the manufacturer or Alabama OSHA to receive a replacement handle and a safety kit prior to continuing use of the recalled chainsaws.

The chainsaws affected by the most recent safety alert are those manufactured by Troy-Bilt and Craftsman. The two-cycle gasoline engine models have an 18-inch or a 20-inch cutting blade. Engine sizes range from 46 to 55ccs. Four models produced by Troy-Bilt are being recalled, along with one made by Craftsman, the “Incredi-Pull” “model.

There have been reports of serious injury when the plastic handle located in the front of the saw has broken during heavy use. When the handle breaks while the saw is in use, workers have experienced great difficulty regaining control of the chainsaw. As a result, one worker severely burned his fingers when he tried to regain control and accidentally grabbed the hot muffler. Another worker received serious cuts when the handle snapped. Another received a sprained wrist and severe bruises trying to regain control of the chainsaw.

CPSC is the agency charged with ensuring the safety of more than 15,000 consumer products. Products that could pose a threat to workers, families and the general consumer fall under CPSC’s jurisdiction. If a product could potentially cause a fire, or is a chemical, mechanical, or electrical hazard, consumers can rest assured it is being monitored by the CPSC. Parents can also rest assured that products related to children – gates, cribs, toys, monitors – are being monitored for safety. Safety issues with consumer products cost the U.S. more than $700 billion annually.

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