Abstract
Problem. Chain saws are a commonly used tool with the potential to inflict severe injuries. Methods. Descriptive epidemiological estimates for emergency department (ED) visits for injuries associated with the use of a chain saw were calculated using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for the years 2009–2013. Results. A total of 115,895 ED visits for injuries related to the use of a chain saw occurred during the study period. Most injury visits occurred among males (95%) and persons aged 30–59 years and during the months of September through November. The main body sites injured were the hand/fingers and knee. The majority of injuries were lacerations (80%). Conclusions. Chain saw injuries present with characteristic patterns which can aid in prevention of injuries related to the use of these tools. Examination of the epidemiology of chain saw injuries will help to ascertain targeted needs for prevention and control efforts.
Highlights
Chain saws are a common tool utilized at home and specific to some occupations
During the five-year time period, there were an estimated 115,895 emergency department visits for injuries related to the use of a chain saw occurring in the US
Adults aged 30–59 accounted for the majority of emergency department (ED) visits for injuries (57%), with males representing 95% of the visits for an injury related to a chain saw
Summary
Chain saws are a common tool utilized at home and specific to some occupations. Injuries associated with chain saws can be very severe; there is little published research on injuries related to chain saw use [1–8]. Safety information concerning the proper use of chain saws is available. For occupations which use chain saws, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Bureau of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have produced training guides specific to forestry related occupations, inclusive of injury prevention measures [10]. While information concerning the safe use of chain saws is accessible, little is known about injuries associated with these machines, especially at a population level. The majority of research conducted to date has focused on cases studies of fatal injuries associated with chain saw use [1, 3–5, 7, 8]. We sought to examine injury visits related to chain saw use among patients presenting in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States
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