OSHA and NIOSH developed the guidance, Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors, to outline the common causes of nail gun injuries and provide steps employers and workers can take to avoid injury. The guidance is slated for residential home builders and construction contractors, subcontractors and supervisors.
“Nail guns are used every day on many construction jobs – especially in residential construction. They boost productivity but also cause tens of thousands of painful injuries each year,” the document states, adding that these injuries often are not reported and employees often do not receive medical treatment.
While nail guns are easy to operate and can increase productivity, they also can cause internal and external bodily injuries, according to OSHA. These injuries occur as a result of unintended nail discharge; nails that bounce off a hard surface or miss the work piece and become airborne; and disabling the gun’s safety features, among other causes.
The guidance outlines six steps to prevent nail gun injuries:
1. Use full sequential trigger nail guns;
2. Provide training;
3. Establish nail gun work procedures;
4. Provide PPE;
5. Encourage reporting and discussion of injuries and close calls; and
6. Provide first aid and medical treatment.
“Nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually. In some cases, workers have died from their injuries,” said OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels. “This document will help construction employers make necessary changes to improve nail gun safety and protect their workers from preventable injuries and death.”
The guidance can be downloaded as a PDF.