NCJ Number
205147
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2004 Pages: 345-350
Date Published
March 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study presents two chainsaw-related fatalities in which victims received injuries in the neck region from chainsaw kickback.
Abstract
Due to the large consumption and circulation of chainsaws in American society, there are over 28,000 chainsaw-related injuries each year. Most chainsaw accidents are due to kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Chainsaw kickback represents the greatest risk of serious injury to the operator because it involves the chainsaw being flung backward toward the operator. Although most chainsaw injuries are not fatal and involve injuries to the hands and lower extremities, 10 percent of injuries involve the head and neck region. While the literature is abundant concerning injuries associated with the operation of chainsaws, reports of deaths from chainsaw injuries are rare. Thus, this article presents the circumstances of two deaths involving chainsaw injuries. The first case involved a 49-year old male who was operating an older model chainsaw with limited safety equipment, while the second case involved a 38-year old male who was operating a newer model chainsaw in an unsafe manner. Both deaths were ruled accidents and involved injuries to the neck region. The first case underscores the risks associated with operating older model chainsaws, while the second case illustrates the dangers associated with using chainsaws in unsafe manners. The authors offer suggestions for reducing kickback, most importantly among them is using a chainsaw equipped with a tip guard. Figures, references