How Do Nail Gun Accidents Happen?

Nail guns are a common piece of equipment in the construction sector. They are an efficient way of fixing items on different surfaces.

Despite all of the benefits of this modern piece of equipment, there are some drawbacks. Nail gun accidents are fairly common. They can cause severe injuries and even fatalities in severe instances. What are some of the more common causes of nail gun accidents?

Underestimating the Power of Nail Guns

To embed a nail into hard surfaces, a lot of force is required. Sometimes, workers can make the mistake of underestimating how powerful the tool is or how thick the surface is. If a surface is too thin, then a nail can penetrate through to the other side. A colleague who is on the other side of the surface is likely to find themselves in trouble, potentially suffering a debilitating injury, especially if the nail has come into contact with their head.

Unexpected Ricochets

Nails are largely designed to go through wood and non-metal surfaces. If a nail hits a surface that is as hard or harder than it, there is a chance that a ricochet could occur. The nail will be unable to penetrate the surface and will instead head back towards the operator or someone else in close proximity. A ricocheting nail can reach a staggering speed and it will cause severe damage if it strikes a human in the eyes or head area.

Nail guns are a useful tool as long as adequate safety protocols are followed. Your boss has a duty to ensure that tools are well-maintained and adequate training should be provided before usage. If you have suffered an injury on-site, make sure you check out your legal options.