Table Saw accidents are serious business.
Table saw accidents have wildly varying outcomes depending on whether SawStop table saws are used, as these case studies attest.
CASE STUDY #1
In 1999, CDS’ Experience Modification Rate (EMR), a rating system used to calculate workers’ compensation premiums, was 0.73.
One day in December of 2000, an employee severely cut his finger while using a table saw. Six weeks later, another employee, with many years of experience, mangled his hand while using a table saw.
The total cost of the workers’ compensation claims for both accidents was $95,000 and their EMR nearly doubled to 1.42!
CASE STUDY #2
In 2003, WMC had a moderate workers’ compensation premium of about $35K per year. In 2004, two of the company’s employees had accidents within a 6 month period. The combined cost of the worker’s comp payout for both accidents was more than $160K. WMC’s annual premiums shot up to $80,000 per year.
Non-SawStop table saw injury case
A manufacturing employee was ripping lumber on a table saw when he was interrupted. He amputated three fingers on his right hand. A supervisor and co-workers stabilized the injured employee, applied first aid, called for an ambulance, and located and iced the amputated fingers. The supervisor followed the ambulance to the hospital and stayed with the injured employee the balance of the day. The affected area of the company was shut down for the remainder of the day and employees were sent home while safety investigators researched the accident. When the investigation was done, a biohazard cleanup service was brought in to clean the saw and surrounding area. The company paid the injured employee full wage during the day of the injury.
