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麻豆最新出品 Environmental Health and Safety

Safety Alert

May 2025

Table Saw Injury

Summary

On April 25, 2025, a person was cutting wood on a table saw on campus. After several cuts, they shut off the table saw, but while the blade was still spinning, they attempted to remove a piece of wood from the blade area with their hands. Their index finger contacted the rotating blade, resulting in a laceration. Fortunately, the table saw’s safety feature upon contact with the finger, retracting and stopping the spinning blade, significantly reducing the severity of the injury.

Safety tips

Follow safe work practices and exercise caution when using table saws and similar equipment to avoid injuries:

  • Only use equipment that you are trained on and are authorized to operate
  • Read, understand, and adhere to the equipment manufacturer's guidelines
  • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses
  • Do not use damaged or malfunctioning equipment
  • Ensure all machine guards are in place, operable, and used properly
  • Keep all body parts, clothing, hair, and jewelry away from moving parts

Do you want to learn more?

  • Complete online machine guarding
  • Complete online hand and power tool safety
  • Contact Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@northwestern.edu

We want your feedback! Please complete this brief anonymous . Do you have a safety story you'd like to share? If so, please contact ehs@northwestern.edu.