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To protect workers, OSHA recently issued a chainsaw warning so employers were aware of problems with design.

A recent North Carolina OSHA Alert details recall information about two popular brands of chainsaws. When these chainsaws are used heavily, the front plastic handle can break. If this happens, workers may find the chainsaws hard to control, and as a result, they run the risk of severe cuts and injuries.

The manufacturer recall affects two brands of chainsaws that are used in many industries, including construction, landscaping, and lumbering. OSHA wants employers to know that the recall is for four Troy-Bilt chainsaws that have two-cycle gasoline engines and range from 46cc to 55cc. These chainsaws have cutting blades that are either 18-inches or 20-inches long. Craftsman has recalled the “Incredi-Pull” model, which is a two-cycle gasoline powered chainsaw with a 55cc engine and an 18-inch blade.

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.

The recalled chainsaws have caused injuries, and reports of problems have been made to OSHA. Among the injuries reported, workers have been severely cut, bruised, and burned by the chainsaws once they became difficult to control. If the chainsaws are used before they are properly fixed, injuries and even death can result.

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