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Alaska’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is warning workers to stop using five models of chain saw immediately. The models have a safety problem that could result in serious injuries or death.

The problem: the plastic front handle on these chain saws could break, making the tool hard to control. Workers using them can suffer serious cutting wounds.

The Alaska OSHA alert applies to two brands of chain saw widely used in lumbering, construction, landscaping and other industries. OSHA is “strongly” urging employers to take the chain saws out of use until they can be retrofitted with devices that will make them operate more safely. Using them without the safety kit added can cause injuries or death.

The agency is making employers aware of a recent recall of the chain saws. Manufacturers voluntarily recalled both brands of chainsaw, cooperating with both OSHA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC. Employers should contact either Alaska OSHA or the manufacturer for information about getting the free safety kit. The kit contains a replacement handle and instructions for installing.

The two brands of chain saw are four Troy-Bilt models and one Craftsman. They are powered by two-cycle gas engines and range from 46 to 55cc. All of the chain saws are fitted with either an 18-inch or a 20-inch blade. The Craftsman is the “Incredi-Pull” model.

Workers have reported problems. In one case, there were severe cuts. One worker told OSHA he had suffered severe bruising and wrist sprain. Another reported burns to the fingers from a hot muffler. All had lost control of their saws after the handles broke.

The CPSC is working with OSHA on the alerts and recalls. CPSC monitors 15,000 products to protect consumers from risks of injury or death. Those deaths and injuries, as well as damage to property, cost about $700 billion a year.

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