The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is now looking into the serious injuries associated with certain table saws, and why more hasn’t been done to address the growing problem.
It has been reported that on average there are 10 finger amputations a day by table saws used by consumers. Stephen Gass invented “SawStop” technology that stops blades’ movement when body parts are detected. He persuaded the CPSC to grant his petition for rulemaking during the Bush administration. However, CPSC never drafted rules, so a new vote would now be required. The Power Tool Institute (PTI) has told CPSC that the Gass invention is too costly; however, Gass stands by his notion that this technology would be worthwhile, and is a critically important protection to spare people from debilitating amputation injuries.
It is estimated that the cost to society of saw-related injuries is about $2 billion a year, several times the saws’ gross annual sales. Saw manufacturers now face hundreds of lawsuits due to such injuries, which could have been prevented with the proper safety technology in place.
At Swartz & Swartz, P.C., our product liability and personal injury attorneys pursue justice on behalf of victims of hazardous products and throughout the United States. Our firm has a national reputation for successfully representing consumers and their families who have been victimized by defective products, resulting in severe and catastrophic injuries.
By James A. Swartz of Swartz & Swartz, P.C. – Permalink
About the Author: James Swartz
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