West Virginia

Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

Department of Health
Department of Health Facilities
Department of Human Services

DHHR Urges Caution in Use of Chain Saws

6/28/2016

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Heath is encouraging residents in areas impacted by flooding to use caution and be aware of the risk of chain saw injury during tree or debris removal.

 

“If you must use a chain saw, be sure to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, thick work gloves, chaps, and boots,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, State Health Officer and Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health. “Always hold the saw at waist level or below, and make sure that others remain far away.”

 

Trees entangled in power lines must be deferred to the local power company. For downed trees across roadways, calls should be routed through the West Virginia Department of Transportation highways district offices http://www.transportation.wv.gov/highways/districts/Pages/default.aspx.

 

“Bent trees or branches can also be an issue, especially if they have gotten twisted, hung up on, or caught under another object,” said Gupta.  “If the tree or the branch is suddenly released, it may strike the person cutting it, or a bystander.”

 

Individuals who are injured and cut while using a chain saw should apply direct pressure on the wound to stop bleeding and get medical help as soon as possible.

 

More information on chain saw safety is available at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/chainsaws.asp.

Contact Information

Media contact: DHHRCommunications@wv.gov
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