special subjects
Nail Gun Injuries
Introduction
Nail gun injuries are usually puncture wounds on the hands and fingers, but sometimes they cause more serious injuries. Nail guns injuries are common among construction workers. Nail guns, which have replaced hammers in wood-frame construction, cause an estimated 37,000 emergency department visits each year. About 60% of them are work-related. Nail guns deliver nails under very high pressure. Most nail gun injuries involve the fingers and hand. However, injuries to the legs, trunk, eyes, and head can also occur. If the eyes are injured, vision may be lost. In addition to the nail, other materials (foreign objects such as wire, fabric, paper, and adhesives) can enter the wound during a nail gun injury and lead to infection. Nails and foreign objects may be embedded in soft tissues, including nerves, tendons, blood vessels, or joints or in bone. Using a nail gun with a bump or automatic trigger can result in unintended nail discharge. Using a nail gun with a single shot or full sequential trigger reduces the risk of injury. Risk can also be reduced by learning how to use nail guns correctly and what the potentially devastating effects of nail gun injuries are. Employers should provide such training for their workers. 