Table saws are dangerous and they account for numerous worker injuries in New Jersey. One false move and you can lose a finger, a hand or even an arm while using a table saw to cut items for your job. However, if you follow the safety tips in this article, there’s a good chance that you can stay safe and avoid many types of serious table saw injuries.

Table saw tips that will help you stay injury free:

• Use your safety equipment: If you’re cutting items with a table saw, your eyes are at risk of getting hit with debris, and safety goggles are a must. Also, use hearing protection to prevent hearing loss, and wear appropriate clothes.
• Keep your work area clean: Don’t let wood cutoffs pile up and be sure to take care of excessive sawdust.
• Are the safety features working? Check the guard on the saw, and be sure that anti-kickback pieces are working properly.
• Use your outfeed table or stand: It’s important to position an additional table or stand when you’re cutting very large items. This will keep them stable while cutting.
• Disconnect power when changing blades: The last thing you want to do is accidentally turn on your saw when you’re changing a blade. Double-check that power is disconnected before working on the device.
• Never start the saw while the blade is engaged: If the blade is touching your wood, don’t ever turn it on. Remove your wood from the blade, and then turn it on.

There are a lot more safety tips that wood cutters and table saw users can employ to stay safe. However, by following the above tips, you will be well on your way to avoiding a workplace injury. If you do get hurt on the job — in spite of your best efforts to stay safe — a workers’ compensation claim could be a way for you to receive benefits to pay for your medical care.

Source: The Spruce, “Twelve Table Saw Safety Tips,” accessed Aug. 04, 2017