Stump Grinders – Landscaping Stats and Facts

FACTS

The primary hazards and types of injuries associated with stump grinders

  1. Flying Debris: Stump grinders can eject wood chips, rocks, and other debris at high speeds, which can cause injuries to the eyes, face, and other parts of the body.
  2. Contact with Moving Parts: Direct contact with the cutting blades or teeth of the stump grinder can cause severe lacerations, amputations, and crushing injuries.
  3. Rollovers and Tip-Overs: Operating a stump grinder on uneven terrain or slopes can lead to rollovers or tip-overs, causing crushing injuries to the operator.
  4. Noise and Vibration: Stump grinders generate high noise levels, which can cause hearing damage over time if proper hearing protection is not used.
  • Prolonged use of stump grinders can lead to vibration-related injuries such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
  1. Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions or mechanical failures, such as brake failures or engine problems, can result in accidents and injuries.
  2. Manual Handling Injuries: The weight and handling of stump grinders can cause musculoskeletal injuries, including strains and sprains.

STATS

  • According to reports, incidents involving stump grinders can lead to serious injuries, often resulting in workers missing multiple days of work. The American Rental Association noted that since 2000, there have been six claims related to injuries from rented stump cutters.
  • Each year, there are multiple reports of injuries and fatalities associated with the use of stump grinders. Between 2015 and 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recorded several fatal incidents involving stump grinders, highlighting the severity of these accidents.
  • In 2023 alone, several fatalities were reported due to stump grinder accidents. For instance, an employee was killed after falling headfirst into a stump grinder, and another was crushed by an overturned machine.
  • Overall, while specific statistics on the percentage of injuries caused by stump grinders in landscaping are limited, the incidents that do occur often emphasize the critical importance of safety training and adherence to operational guidelines.