FACTS

RISKS/HAZARDS

• Push-Back, kick-back
• Obstructions in the concrete being cut
• Pinched cuts
• Off-line cuts
• Blunt cutting edges
• Worn blades
• Hazardous dusts
• Cutting concrete pipes
• Toxic fumes
• Electric cables, water or gas pipes
• Power cords
• Uneven surfaces
• Wet, slippery surface
• Vibration
• Working alone
• Noise
• Crushed limbs
• Injuries to the eyes
• Facial injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

STATS

• Almost 80 concrete and masonry workers die each year in the United States from workplace accidents (BLS).
• There are more than 250,000 people who work with concrete every day and of those around 28,000 are injured each year.
• 16.5% of injuries were caused by circular saws, and 56.8% were caused by machinery in general.
• Machinery and power saws accounted for 14% to 34% of traumatic injuries.
• Power saws are frequently associated with severe hand injuries, mainly through blade contact, result in amputation in 57% of the affected trauma patients.
• Masonry saws improperly used for woodwork resulted in 86.2% (50/58) of the injuries.