labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Two manufacturers are issuing voluntary recalls for their chainsaws, due to recent reports of workers being injured. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the warning to alert workers of the risk of serious injury in industries where the chainsaws are commonly used. The brands of chainsaw affected are Craftsman’s “Incredi-Pull” model and four models made by Troy-Bilt.

The Hawaii OSHA Alert was issued in an effort to protect workers who put the chainsaws to heavy use. Common industries that use the chainsaws are landscaping, construction, and lumbering, among others. Employers are urged to remove the chainsaws from the workplace immediately and contact the manufacturer or Hawaii OSHA for replacement parts and a safety kit.

The chainsaws have a defective handle, which, according to recent reports, has snapped while in use. The recalled saws have an 18- or 20-inch blade and are gasoline powered with a capacity of 46 to 55cc’s. The models affected have a two-cycle engine.

Several workers have received severe cuts, bruises and burns trying to regain control of the chainsaw after the handle broke. One worker, while attempting to regain control of the chainsaw after the handle broke, grabbed the muffler, which was hot, and severely burned his fingers. Another worker suffered serious cuts from the blade, and another suffered a sprained wrist and severe bruising while trying to control the saw.

The CPSC monitors product safety for more than 15,000 consumer products. They receive reports related to serious injury or death resulting from the use of a wide range of products. Products are monitored to protect workers, consumers and families from risks such as injury to children as well as potential fire, mechanical, chemical, or electrical hazards. In the event there is unreasonable risk associated with a consumer product, manufacturers will typically issue a voluntary recall of the product. Consumers often receive a replacement product, or a kit and instructions to make the product safe to use.

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• COBRA Subsidy Extended Again - March 5th, 2010
• New York Uniform, Meals and Lodging Rules - February 10th, 2010
• New York Non-Exempt Employee Rules - February 3rd, 2010
• New York Tipped Minimum Wage is $4.75 - January 27th, 2010
• Oklahoma Direct Deposit - January 20th, 2010
• 2010 Minimum Wage Recap - January 1st, 2010
• Vermont Minimum Wage 2010 is $8.06 - December 30th, 2009
• New GINA Regulations - December 23rd, 2009
• Kansas 2010 Minimum Wage Increases to $7.25 - December 9th, 2009
• 2010 Washington Minimum Wage is $8.55 - December 2nd, 2009