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A manufacturer recall has been issued for two brands of chainsaws that pose a hazard to workers.

Worker safety is the main concern behind a recent Florida OSHA alert. The plastic front handle that’s used on these chainsaws can break during times of heavy usage. If the handle does break, the saw becomes difficult to control, which can lead to severe cuts.

The Troy-Bilt chainsaws impacted by this recall are those with gasoline-powered, two-cycle 46cc to 55cc engines. These chainsaws have cutting blades that measure 18 inches or 20 inches. The Craftsman chainsaw impacted by this recall is the “Incredi-Pull” model. This chainsaw has a two-cycle, 55cc gasoline engine and an 18-inch cutting blade.

Why are these chainsaws being recalled?

These chainsaws have a plastic handle that can break if you are using the product a great deal. When this handle breaks, you may lose control of the chainsaw and injure yourself.

Have injuries occurred from these saws?

Yes. Reports have been made to OSHA stating that when the plastic handle broke, workers were injured. The injuries included severe cuts, burns, sprains, and bruising.

Employers should make certain that workers stop using these chainsaws immediately until the handle on the saw is replaced. If workers continue to use these saw without replacing the handle, injuries and possibly even death can result.

To receive a safety kit for free, employers need to contact either the manufacturer of their brand of chainsaw or OSHA. The safety kit includes a handle replacement and instructions on how to install this new handle.

Who is handling the recall?

The manufacturers are voluntarily recalling these chainsaws. Troy-Bilt and Craftsman are working with OSHA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What is the role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is focused on protecting workers and consumers from potentially dangerous products. Injuries and property damage from consumer products costs more than $700 billion each year. The jurisdiction of this agency is overseeing more than 15,000 types of consumer products.

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