MMWR: Nail Gun Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments-United States, 2001-2005

The current issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), published a report on nail gun injuries in the United States from 2001-2005. The report found that during the 5 year period of 2001-2005, an average of 37,000 patients with injuries related to nail-gun use were treated annually in Emergency Departments. 40% of of those injuries occurred among consumers. With the speed, ease of use, and availability of nail guns, annual consumer nail-gun injuries have increased by 200% since 1991. Overall, most injuries were sustained in the upper extremities (75%) and puncture wounds were the most prevalent form of injury. In 2005, 96% of consumers injured by nail guns and 98% of workers injured by nail guns were men. The median age of an injured consumer and of a worker was 35 years and 27 years respectively.

Training regarding safe work practices might be one way of reducing nail-gun injuries. Another method would be to implement the use of sequential-trip triggers ( which decrease the likelihood of an accidental injury), especially with consumers who often have little or no training in tool use. In addition, supplemental information must be given at the point of purchase or rental to inform the consumer of safe nail gun use.

To read the full report, click here.