Nail gun incidents prompt safety warning

SafeWork SA is reminding PCBUs in the residential construction sector to ensure apprentice carpenters who use any type of nail gun are trained after four apprentices received nail gun injuries last month.

SafeWork SA said a fourth-year apprentice suffered serious injuries to his thigh after shooting himself while kneeling. The incident happened on 25 February 2022.

In the second incident, a first-year apprentice was constructing wall frames when a nail gun fired a nail to his right thigh above the knee.

In the third incident, a second-year apprentice received a penetration wound to his right index finger after a nail struck a knot while building a wall frame.

Earlier in the month, a first-year apprentice suffered a knee injury after the nail gun actuator was triggered, firing a nail into the left knee.

Reminding duty holders of their obligations, SafeWork SA says most nail gun incidents occur when nail guns are set to bump fire mode.

“The type of nail gun trigger system and the extent of training are important factors in reducing injuries,” SafeWork SA said.

“A full sequential trigger is always the safest trigger mechanism for the job.”

Read full safety alert on SafeWork SA website.