NebClimber
ArboristSite Operative
Saw injury
Gentlemen:
On September 19 I was using a small overhand pruning saw to cut 3" diameter branches out of a small tree. I started to make a cut one-handed. My left hand was at least 24" from the saw, and i was using it to just kind of steady myself. It was not on the branch I was cutting. What happened next i am not entirely sure. I think the saw bounced off a small, springy branch just before i made my cut. Or it may have kicked out of the branch I was cutting. But I think the first scenario was more likely. The saw bounced/kicked and cut 7 tendons on the underside of my left wrist, a small arterey, and the ulnar nerve (this is the one you feel when you hit your funny bone). Will be 3 months until I can try to grip and lift something. Will never regain felling in 1/2 of my hand. Spent 5 days in hospital. $25K plus in medicals.
I'll make these points: never work w/o health insurance; never hire an employee w/o work comp insurance (you will be legally responsible for benefits if you do not insure this risk); never work w/o professional liability and commercial automobile liability insurance. For those w/o a second profession to fall back on, consider disability insurace or electing to include yourself on your work comp policy. I was insured, and I have returned to my past profession. I will be back.
Next point: If anyone is willing to have me as volunteer for a week or so in the early spring, I'd jump on the offer.
Finally, apart from "I told you so's" and jeers, I invite you guys to break down what went wrong, or comment on ways to avoid the most common injuries, or suggest the proper protective gear, or add any other constructive thoughts.
Thanks,
Steven
Gentlemen:
On September 19 I was using a small overhand pruning saw to cut 3" diameter branches out of a small tree. I started to make a cut one-handed. My left hand was at least 24" from the saw, and i was using it to just kind of steady myself. It was not on the branch I was cutting. What happened next i am not entirely sure. I think the saw bounced off a small, springy branch just before i made my cut. Or it may have kicked out of the branch I was cutting. But I think the first scenario was more likely. The saw bounced/kicked and cut 7 tendons on the underside of my left wrist, a small arterey, and the ulnar nerve (this is the one you feel when you hit your funny bone). Will be 3 months until I can try to grip and lift something. Will never regain felling in 1/2 of my hand. Spent 5 days in hospital. $25K plus in medicals.
I'll make these points: never work w/o health insurance; never hire an employee w/o work comp insurance (you will be legally responsible for benefits if you do not insure this risk); never work w/o professional liability and commercial automobile liability insurance. For those w/o a second profession to fall back on, consider disability insurace or electing to include yourself on your work comp policy. I was insured, and I have returned to my past profession. I will be back.
Next point: If anyone is willing to have me as volunteer for a week or so in the early spring, I'd jump on the offer.
Finally, apart from "I told you so's" and jeers, I invite you guys to break down what went wrong, or comment on ways to avoid the most common injuries, or suggest the proper protective gear, or add any other constructive thoughts.
Thanks,
Steven
What was your former profession?
