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Georgia OSHA Alert

May 4th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

A Georgia OSHA Alert was issued recently about a recall done in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, also known as CPSC. Along with the two manufacturers, Troy-Bilt and Craftsman, this recall affects two brands of chainsaws that pose a safety threat to workers. In both cases, the chainsaws become difficult to control when the front plastic handle breaks while the saw is being used. Both Troy-Bilt and Craftsman voluntarily recalled these chainsaws.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects consumers from what are unreasonable risks of injury or death resulting from any of the more than 15,000 types of consumer products. The nation pays a high price for incidents resulting from consumer products. Incidents involving consumer products result in deaths, injuries and damage to property. The cost exceeds $700 billion each year. CPSC works to protect workers, consumers, families, and children from fire, chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards posed by products.

In this case, the recalled chainsaws are four models produced by Troy-Bilt. These chainsaws have gasoline-powered, two-cycle engines from 46cc to 55cc. The chainsaws have cutting blades measuring either 18 inches or 20 inches. The recalled Craftsman chainsaw is the “Incredi-Pull” model. This chainsaw has a gasoline-powered, two-cycle engine that is 55cc. The blade is 18 inches long.

Reports of injuries have been made to OSHA concerning these models. These reports include workers receiving severe lacerations, sprains, burns, and bruises when the handle breaks and the chainsaws become difficult to control. Employers should contact the manufacturer of their chainsaw or OSHA for safety kits containing replacement handles and installation instructions.

Until the safety kit is received and the new handle is installed correctly, workers should not use these chainsaws. If workers continue to use the chainsaws without replacing the handle, they run the risk of injuries or death. Employers can protect the health of their workers by making certain these chainsaws are not used until they have the proper safety features installed.