The use of tools is an integral part of most construction workers' jobs. Depending on the specific type of construction they work in, those tools will vary. For builders, a nail gun is a necessity. It can also be dangerous however. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nail guns send approximately 37,000 individuals to emergency rooms annually.

These incidents can occur in a variety of situations. The first is when safety mechanisms are bypassed. Other times a nail could hit a construction worker after first missing the piece of wood, or managing to penetrate it completely. A nail could also ricochet off a hard surface before striking a worker. The position the worker is in while doing the nailing could also lead to injury as well as when a nail accidentally discharges either due to double fire or as a result of knocking the safety contact.

There are of course steps that can be taken to try to prevent these incidents. These include the discussion of close calls or injuries and employers encouraging workers to report such incidents. Providing training and implementing procedures for using the tools is also a good idea. Making sure that personal protective equipment and full sequential trigger nail guns are used can make a difference. When an injury does occur, workers should be able to administer first aid and medical treatment should be provided.

The introduction of nail guns has made the process of building structures faster. Because of this it is unlikely that they will disappear anytime soon. Because of this it is a good idea to take proper precautions.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Nailing Down the Need for Nail Gun Safety," Accessed Sept. 24, 2014