Mistakes with the log splitter cost 133 million SEK in Sweden - each year

October 11, 2010 by timbercommunity

Researcher proposes to introduce a license for wood shopping. A new study shows that the cost of damages resulting from the wood shopping costs only in Sweden SEK 133 million Swedish crowns each year. The license, which the researchers suggest could apply to handle circular saws and log splitters.

The most common injuries are torn tendons, nerve damage and fractures and injuries are often caused in their spare time. The license is needed for example to make clear who is responsible for accidents occurring at the sawmill and splitter accidents during leisure, according to the researchers. To avoid damage should keep children away from the machines, working alone, take breaks and maintain the protection that is on the tools.

The researchers behind the study from Skåne University Hospital in Malmö and Economics in Lund has over five years, followed 57 patients treated for hand injuries at the hand surgery clinic in Malmö. Total costs for hand injuries in Sweden amounted to 133 million swedish crowns. 18 percent of the sum equal to the cost of sick care. The rest of the cost of lost quality of life, the researchers write in an article published in the medical journal the Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery.