---
title: 30 Circular Saw Safety Tips for Contractors
description: Circular Saws are Essential at Construction Worksites, But They Also Pose Many Hazards. Following These Safety Tips Can Help Reduce Insurance Costs.
---

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# [30 Circular Saw Safety Tips for Contractors](https://www.aigltd.com/insurance-blog-car-auto-home-life-commercial-reading-pa/30-circular-saw-safety-tips)

 Written by [David Ross](https://www.aigltd.com/insurance-blog-car-auto-home-life-commercial-reading-pa/author/david-ross) | Sat, Jul 29, 2023

Reducing worksite hazards can help save [Contractor Insurance](https://www.aigltd.com/contractors-insurance-philadelphia-reading-allentown) costs, and one significant worksite hazard is power tools, including circular saws. “Approximately 40,000 Americans go to hospital emergency rooms every year with injuries sustained while operating table saws.  About 4,000 of those injuries – or more than 10 every day – are amputations,” according to the [National Consumers League](https://nclnet.org/ncl_fact_sheet_on_saw_safety/#:~:text=Approximately%2040%2C000%20Americans%20go%20to,approximately%20%242%20billion%20every%20year.). “Table saw injuries cost the United States approximately $2 billion every year.”

Circular saws are a mainstay at most construction worksites; however, these indispensable power tools also come with many [hazards](https://www.isastur.com/external/seguridad/data/en/2/2_9_8.htm):

- Projected particles
- Electric shocks
- Breakage of the disc
- Cuts and amputations
- Blows caused by objects
- Abrasions and becoming trapped
- Overstrain
- Ambient noise

If you want to lower insurance and other operating costs, it’s crucial that you train your workers on these hazards and how to avoid them.

## **30 Circular Saw Safety Tips**

1. Wear safety glasses
2. Wear hearing protection
3. Wear a respirator or dust mask
4. Keep long hair tied back and avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry
5. Prepare a stable surface
6. Keep the area clear of debris, cutoffs, sawdust, etc.
7. Check safety features before using a saw
8. Check the saw for proper blade rotation
9. Do not start with the blade engaged
10. Allow the saw to reach full power before cutting
11. Set the depth of the saw to 1/8” thicker than the material being cut
12. Do not alter the manufacturer’s guard
13. Don’t cut with a dull blade
14. Select the correct blade for the material being cut
15. Don’t try to twist the blade while cutting
16. Don’t try to remove the blade while it is cutting
17. Before starting and frequently while cutting, ensure that the blade guard works freely
18. Be aware of knots, foreign objects such as staples or screws, and sap in the wood
19. Cut smaller material from larger material first
20. Use an outfeed table or stand when cutting large pieces of material
21. Use a push stick when the material has less than six inches of width of stock away from the blade
22. Stand to the side when cutting material to protect you from kickback
23. Maintain a solid stance with a wide base to maintain balance
24. Do not reach over a moving blade
25. Keep two hands on the saw
26. Do not force the saw while cutting
27. Keep electrical cords clear of the cutting path
28. Unplug the saw before making adjustments, replacing the blade, or repairing the saw
29. Do not move or carry the saw with your hand or finger on the trigger switch
30. Take extra precaution if you are left-handed, as circular saws are designed for right-handed people

## **Want to Lower Your Contractors Insurance Costs?**

Want to lower your Contractor Insurance costs? It’s simple (not always easy, but simple). Create a safer work environment, which results in fewer injuries, fewer claims, and lower operating costs, including insurance premiums, along with happier, more productive employees and a healthier bottom line.

American Insuring Group can help. As Contractor Insurance experts, we provide a variety of [money-saving topics](https://www.aigltd.com/insurance-blog-car-auto-home-life-commercial-reading-pa/topic/contractor-insurance) (from policy review tips to contractual risk transfer) and [safety-related tips](https://www.aigltd.com/insurance-blog-car-auto-home-life-commercial-reading-pa/topic/contractor-insurance) (from protecting construction workers from traumatic brain injuries and circular saw accidents to safe lifting practices). Furthermore, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage with several carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Don't Wait. Give us a call today at **(800) 947-1270** or **(610) 775-3848,** or [**connect with us online**](https://www.aigltd.com/contact) for a free insurance quote!

[View full post](https://www.aigltd.com/insurance-blog-car-auto-home-life-commercial-reading-pa/30-circular-saw-safety-tips)

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