10 Most Dangerous Power Tools According to Accident Statistics (2025)

My teacher had a specific way of teaching about tools and machines we used on the shop floor. He would introduce the tool and immediately explain the safety precautions we must take before even going into how the tool works..

For him, safety was the top priority.

After 15 years of building everything from birdhouses to backyard decks, I’ve learned that respect for your tools is just as important as knowing how to use them. Too many weekend warriors and professionals alike end up in emergency rooms because they underestimate the power of the tools in their hands.

While every tool must be handled with caution, some power tools are more dangerous than others.

Let’s look at the 10 most dangerous power tools according to actual injury statistics, along with safety tips I’ve learned through experience (and a few close calls of my own).

1. Table Saws

With up to 67,000 injuries annually and approximately 4,000 amputations per year, table saws top the list of dangerous power tools. The spinning blade can cause devastating injuries in a split second.

I’ll never forget when my neighbor David, an experienced carpenter, lost the tip of his thumb while ripping a narrow piece of oak. The wood kicked back, pulling his hand into the blade. The accident happened so fast he didn’t even have time to react.

One of the most common causes of table saw accidents is failing to use a push stick.

What Happens If You Cut Without Using Push Sticks:
As the cut nears completion, the workpiece becomes slightly unstable and may shift, or get pulled toward the blade along with the user’s hand due to friction or loss of control. This happens so quickly that you won’t be able to pull back in time. If the your fingers are too close to the blade at this moment, even a slight slip can lead to serious lacerations or amputations.

Safety tips:

• Always use a push stick for narrow cuts.
• Keep the blade guard installed.
• Position your body to the side of the blade, never directly behind it.
• Consider investing in models with flesh-detecting technology.

2. Chainsaws

I admit, I am not a big chainsaw user. I have used it a couple of times and I can tell you it’s not easy as it seems in those YouTube videos.

Chainsaws send about 36,000 people to the ER (Emergency Room) each year.

Many chainsaw accidents happen during felling or cutting the tree branches due to improper techniques, unstable trees, or failure to assess the fall path correctly.

Kickback and loss of control are also common causes of injury.
One of the factors that makes the chainsaw extremely dangerous is the severity of the injury. The average chainsaw injury requires 110 stitches, which tells you how severe these injuries typically are.

Safety tips:

• Wear proper PPE: helmet, eye protection, ear protection, cut-resistant pants, and steel-toed boots
• Always maintain a firm grip with both hands.
• Be aware of kickback zones at the tip of the bar.
• Keep proper tension on the chain.
• Never cut above shoulder height.

3. Nail Guns

Nailers shoot nails at high velocity and force, which can easily penetrate skin or even bone, leading to puncture wounds, infections, or permanent damage. These tools send approximately 37,000 people to emergency rooms annually. Most injuries occur when the tool accidentally discharges or when the nail ricochets off a hard surface.

My first experience with a nail gun taught me a valuable lesson. I was holding a piece of trim with my left hand while firing with my right. My elbow accidentally touched the nearby wall, causing the nail gun to fire. The nail went straight through the trim and between my fingers.

A narrow escape!

Had I been using a sequential trigger instead of a contact trigger, this wouldn’t have happened.

Safety tips:

• If you are new to nailers, choose sequential-trigger models over contact-trigger ones (they’re twice as safe).
• Never point at yourself or others, even when “empty”.
• Keep your free hand well away from the firing line.
• Disconnect the air supply when loading the nailer and when it’s not in use.
• Wearing eye protection is a must.

4. Circular Saws

Responsible for over 10,600 emergency room visits yearly, circular saws can cause severe lacerations due to their exposed blades moving at incredible speeds (around 120 mph at the edge).

The biggest dangers come from kickback, blade binding, and loss of control, which can send the saw or the material flying in unexpected directions. Many accidents happen when users operate the saw with one hand while trying to hold the wood with other hand.
Mishap also takes place when the saw is used to cut unstable materials (lack of proper support and clamping), or ignore the importance of blade depth adjustments. Even experienced users can fall victim to a momentary lapse in focus.

Statistics indicate that most accidents are caused by portable circular saws or Skilsaw while some of the injuries were caused by the improper use of Miter Saws.

Safety tips:

• Ensure the blade guard is functioning properly.
• Support the material properly to prevent binding.
• Set the depth of cut properly—too deep increases kickback risk.
• Let the blade reach full speed before cutting.
• Wait for the blade to stop completely before setting the saw down.

5. Angle Grinders

With approximately 6,500 injuries annually, angle grinders are particularly dangerous to the eyes and hands. The spinning disc can shatter or throw debris at high velocities.

Generally, with proper technique and use of safety guard you can avoid most injuries.
Never remove the protection guard. Some of the worst injuries happened because of working without guard.

The sparks from the abrasive cutting wheels can also can be a cause when used near flammable objects.

Safety tips:

• Always wear eye protection and face shield.
• Use the proper disc for the material.
• Let the tool do the work – don’t force it.
• Allow grinders to reach full speed before applying to work.
• Always use the proper guard.

6. Power Drills

Cordless drills are one of the most commonly used power tools and they are relatively safe, when compared to tools with rotary blades.

Although they seem relatively harmless, power drills account for about 5,800 ER visits yearly. Most injuries happen when the bit catches and the drill twists unexpectedly.

Safety tips:

• Secure your workpiece properly.
• Use the appropriate bit for the material (see our guide on wood vs metal drill bits).
• Sharpen the drill bits for smooth cutting.
• Start with pilot holes for larger bits.
• Keep loose clothing and hair away from the rotating parts.

7. Lawnmowers (All Types)

While some of Combined, lawnmowers cause tens of thousands of injuries annually, with riding mowers alone accounting for 37,000 hospital visits. Amputations, crushing injuries, deep lacerations, and injuries from flying debris caught in the blades are common.

Many accidents happen when riding mowers tip over on slopes.
In the case of walk behind and push mowers, many unfortunate incidents were reported when users attempt to clear clogged grass without shutting off the mower first. The moment the jam gets cleared the blades will start running and could result in serious injuries.

Safety tips:

• Clear the area of debris before mowing.
• Never mow wet grass (slipping hazard).
• Keep children and pets away from the area.
• Never disable safety features.
• Always shut off the engine before clearing clogs.

8. Wood Routers

With bits spinning at up to 30,000 RPM, routers can cause serious lacerations, especially when kickback occurs. About 19% of injuries from stationary power tools in one study were caused by routers.

Last summer, I was routing the edge of a cabinet door when the bit caught on a knot. The router jumped and nearly slid across my forearm. My router gloves probably saved me from a nasty wound.
Now, I always double check that the router bit is held securely.

Pro Tip: Do not force the router bit to cut. If you feel excessive resistance check the condition of the cutting bit and the workpiece.

Safety tips:

• Always work against the rotation of the bit
• Secure your workpiece firmly
• Take light passes instead of heavy cuts
• Use both hands to maintain control
• Disconnect power before changing bits

9. Snowblowers

Causing approximately 5,700 ER visits yearly, including 600 finger amputations, snowblowers are particularly dangerous when users try to clear snow clogs with their hands.

In addition to mechanical hazards, electric snow blowers pose a risk of electrocution, especially when used in wet conditions. Damaged cords, improper grounding, or pushing the blower through standing water can all increase the chances of a electric shock.

Safety tips:

• Always turn off the engine and wait for moving parts to stop before clearing clogs.
• Use the clearing tool or a wooden stick, never your hands.
• Keep all shields and guards in place.
• Be aware of the discharge direction—flying ice and debris can cause injuries.
• When using an electric snow blower, ensure cords are rated for outdoor use, keep them away from the auger, and never operate the machine in standing water.

10. Wood Chippers

Though they cause fewer total injuries than other tools on this list, wood chippers are responsible for about 3 deaths annually and cause catastrophic injuries when accidents occur.

Safety tips:

• Feed material from the side of the hopper, not directly in front
• Never wear loose clothing around chippers.
• Use a push stick for smaller materials.
• Always work with a partner
• Never reach into the hopper.

How I Stay Safe

Each year, power tools and workshop equipment contribute to over 400,000 emergency room visits in the United States, according to a CPSC report. While not all of these injuries are preventable, understanding the risks associated with certain tools is crucial for safety.

All power tools demand respect and proper technique. I’ve found that most accidents happen when:

1. We’re in a hurry.
2. We’re tired or distracted.
3. We take “just one” shortcut!
4. We become complacent after years of use.

Remember, the most dangerous tool is the one you’re using right now. Take your time, focus on the task, and always prioritize safety over speed.