Experienced woodworkers understand the incredible utility of table saws in a workshop. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that accidents can occur if these powerful tools aren’t used with care.
Here, as your seasoned experts, I’m ready to delve into the latest statistics on the table saw injuries and provide you with valuable safety tips. By following this guidance, you can ensure that your woodworking endeavors remain both efficient and injury-free.
Table of Contents
Table Saw Injury Facts and Statistics You Should Know
#1: Safety Features are Still Flawed and Have Not Been Updated to Avoid Hazards of Blade Exposure
It’s a no-brainer that most of these injuries come from accidental blade contact. Because of this, these tools were geared with blade guards and riving knives. But are these features enough to keep the operator safe from blade exposure? Probably not.
Unlike what newbie woodworkers would believe, blade guards don’t exactly prevent your fingers from getting cut. Instead, it’s designed to prevent wood chips from falling down the blade and flying toward the user.
So if you ask me, it still doesn’t eliminate the risk of blade contact injuries and other accidents while working with wood.
Luckily, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed adjustments to the table saw’s usual safety devices. In 2017, they recommended decreasing the cut’s depth to 0.137 inches in a safety standard policy to address the alarming increase of table saw injuries.
#2: Table Saw Safety Standards Remain Unsuccessful to Protect Users from Injuries
If you’re a regular power tool user, you’d know that table saw manufacturers often introduce blade guards as part of the tool’s safety precaution. But did you also know that this technological standard has been around and unchanged for several years?
And given the increasing numbers of table chainsaw injuries, it’s safe to say that these standards aren’t exactly without flaws.
But, most power tool engineers would still like to note that the manufacturers aren’t totally complacent about user safety. In fact, most of them are working on advanced technologies. Technologies like flesh sensors to eliminate potential accidents during table saw usage.
#3: More Than 700,000 Table Saws are in Use Today
One of the reasons table saw injuries are ballooning over the years is the fact that many people continue to purchase and rely on them for their cutting needs.
Approximately 700,000 units are shipped every year in the United States, and that data was generated a few years back. By today, the total number of table saw users are expected to have reached more than double this number.
#4: According to Yearly Records, 30,000 Table Saw Related Injuries Were Recorded in the USA Alone
Considering the popularity of this tool, it’s not surprising that injuries relating to table saws reach a yearly record of over 30,000.
You may not know, but this annual record is significantly higher than injuries caused by other power tools. These numbers are a harsh reminder that we should practice caution when using table saws.
#5: There are 10 Table-Saw Related Amputations Everyday
These tools are geared with sharp moving blades, so accidents resulting in amputations are not uncommon. In the US, ten of these daily accidents are due to finger and hand blade contact, eventually leading to amputations.
#6: Medical and Hospital Care Costs Accumulated from Table Saw Injuries Rose to $2B
As you can imagine, seeking medical care for these undesirable accidents can cost a lot. You can be hospitalized, depending on how severe your condition is. With these recurring incidents, it’s not a stretch that the overall yearly medical expenses grew up to $2 billion.
#7: Students and Novices are Also Victims of Table Saw Related Accidents
As table saws are complex power tools, students and newbies are common victims of these accidents. Because of this, our experts highly advise woodworking schools and teachers to strengthen awareness of power tool safety measures to help beginners avoid these mishaps.
#8: Table Saws Will Continue to be in Demand From 2023 to 2028
As the DIY and woodworking industry continues to grow, many experts and professionals see raging demand for table saws in the years to come. The increase in consumer reach is foreseen until 2028.
And as this demand expands [1], we’re sure that manufacturers will continue innovating technologies to ease the upward trend of table saw injury statistics.
What Types of Injury are Commonly Caused by Table Saws?
As previously stated, most injuries incurred in table saw usage involves fingers and hands. However, it’s also possible to encounter eye injuries when not using proper blade guards.
Besides that, attaining wounds and cuts are also highly likely when cutting a material too large for your table saw.
How Many Deaths Per Year?
Specific data about table-saw-related deaths are rare, but reports from National Consumers League claim that over 162,000 people died using this tool over the past several years because of the delay of the airbag requirements.
Other than blade contact, CPSC concluded that these fatalities are mostly caused by secondary effects from the actual injury, such as heart attacks. In the report they received from 1994 to 2004, only ten related deaths were officially recorded.
Nowadays, table saw injuries rarely lead to death because of advanced technology. However, it’s hard to disregard that 10% of these incidents still lead to permanent disabilities, and kickbacks cause 72% of those.
How to Avoid Table Saw Accidents: Safety Tips and Reminders
Although using powerful tools like table saws involves quite a risk, you can still avoid possible accidents by adhering to safety tips and procedures. Here are what you can do to prevent these unfortunate incidents from happening:
- Table saws must not be kept in a space that’s accessible to children.
- When your table saw isn’t in use, you should cover the blade with a rigid cloth.
- If you can, we highly suggest completing a table saw safety course before officially using it for your projects.
- Read and comprehend every safety tip and rule in the owner’s manual.
FAQ
How many table saw related accidents are treated each year?
There are approximately 40,000 table saw-related accidents treated each year in US hospitals’ emergency rooms. Among these injuries, about 4,000 or 10 percent end up in amputations or permanent disability.
Conclusion
Table saws are handy tools that, like any power tool, require careful handling for safe and effective use. Luckily, I had the privilege to know the latest statistics on table saw injuries and share some valuable safety tips to ensure your woodworking projects go smoothly without any unexpected mishaps.
If you want added protection while using these tools, we recommend opting for a table saw with a safety stop and wearing proper and complete safety gear to ensure user safety during the cutting operations.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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