Because of their obvious advantages, air operated nailing tools are widely accepted and used in industry. Used safely, they are labour and money savers. Used unsafely, they can be lethal weapons. Accidents with nailing tools have been reported to WorkSafe Western Australia consistently since accident reporting was introduced.
Injuries occur far too often.
These are seldom minor and are frequently serious. All of them are potentially fatal. WorkSafe Western Australia inspectors have not known of a nailing tool accident that, with safe and proper care, would not have been prevented. In many instances, equipment was inadvertently, deliberately or carelessly misused, or was not properly maintained. These accidents show clearly that constant attention to safe practices is essential, for the safety of both the user and others in the area.