FACTS
- Most injuries associated with snow blowers involve injuries to the hand or finger, including amputation. More often than not the operator tried to clear a clogged auger or discharge chute with their hands.
- Injuries from snow blowers are caused by defects in the plastic rims of the tire, carburetor leaks, fuel tank joint and O-ring leaks, auger and discharge chute defects, clutch malfunctions, absent safety shields, and carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, even if a snow blower’s engine is turned off, there still may be enough torque built up to cause a life altering injury or even death.
- Common injuries occur because of snowblower clogs, and rotating impeller blades that don’t come to a halt.
STATS
- CPSC estimates that each year on average there are approximately 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow blowers.
- 19 people have died as the result of accidents involving snow blowers. Two people were killed because they were caught in the machine. Five more lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning from allowing the motor to run in a closed space.
- Thirteen (65%) of injuries were finger lacerations, and four were complete or partial finger amputations. Seven injuries also resulted in fractures of the distal or middle phalanx of the injured finger(s). Of those persons with finger injuries, 16 were males, and one was a 73-year-old female.
- Three non-finger, snow-blower-related injuries were reported–one ankle contusion not resulting in a laceration or fracture and two sprained backs.