Recently, an employee was injured while using a gas-powered, hand-held cutoff saw. The employee was wearing a face shield with safety glasses while conducting this work. The project involved cutting and capping an 8" cast iron in-ground fire water pipe. The pipe was almost cut to completion. When the employee inserted the saw to cut the final bottom portion of pipe the upper quadrant of the blade caught on the pipe. The sudden slowing or stopping of the blade caused by catching or binding in the upper quadrant
of the blade can cause the machine to be thrown upward and back toward the operator. The manufacturer calls this motion from reactive forces a "rotational kickback". It happens immediately, instantaneously and is uncontrollable. The rotational kickback in this instance caused the machine to flip back catching the employee under the face shield and in the chin area with the blade.

Lessons Learned - Employers need to raise awareness of the potential for rotational kickback in these widely-used machines in the construction industry by reviewing the manufacturers safety manual with workers. To reduce the risk of rotational kickback avoid cutting with the upper quadrant of the wheel where possible. Properly rotate the guard to the proper position prior to cutting. Body position is critical when using this machine safely. Maintain good balance and footing and position the cut off machine in such a way that your body is clear of the cutting attachment should the machine

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• January 23 - CAM Connect: Lily's Seafood Fundraiser

• February 22 - CAM Men's Doubles Classic Bowling Tournament

• March 7 - European Pheasant Hunt

• March 11 - CAM Connect: Pistons Game

• March 31 - CAM Connect: Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party

• May 20 - CAM Spring Sporting Clays

• June 17 - CAM Golf Outing - Bay Pointe

• July 15 - CAM Golf Outing - Links of Novi

• July - CAM Connect: Tigers Baseball Game (Date TBD)

• August 12 - CAM Golf Outing - Fieldstone

• August 16 -CAM Cruise In at the Woodward Dream Cruise

• September 29 - CAM Golf Outing - Indianwood Country Club

• September 18 - Boy Scouts Building Connections

• September 23 - CAM Fall Sporting Clays