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611 Nail Gun Safety
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Reporting of Injuries and Close Calls

Studies show many nail gun injuries go unreported. Employers should ensure their policies and practices only encourage their employees to report nail gun injuries.

Nail gun injuries are always serious.

Employees should never be reprimanded for reporting injuries. Reporting helps ensure employees get needed medical attention. It also helps contractors to identify unrecognized job site risks that could lead to more serious injuries, if not addressed.

First Aid and Medical Treatment

Employers and workers should get medical attention immediately after nail gun injuries, even if they appear to be minor. OSHA suggests 1 out of 4 nail gun hand injuries can involve some type of structural damage, such as a bone fracture. Materials such as nail strip glue or plastic or even clothing can get embedded in the injury and lead to infection. Barbs on the nail can cause secondary injury if the nail is removed incorrectly. These complications can be avoided by having workers seek immediate medical care.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-6. To help ensure accurate reporting, employers should ensure their employees who report nail gun injuries _____.