Planet Money
How to save 10,000 fingers
Sep 20, 2024
Table saws pose a significant danger, with thousands injured yearly. An inventor created a revolutionary saw that detects human flesh, potentially saving countless fingers. However, he faced resistance from the power tool industry, grappling with legal skepticism and the balance of safety against costs. The journey highlights the push for innovation in woodworking safety, showcasing the broader societal implications of such breakthroughs. Tune in for a story of perseverance, innovation, and the battle against complacency in safety technology.
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Quick takeaways
- The SawStop technology, created by Steve Gass, showcases how innovative safety features can drastically reduce serious injuries from table saws.
- Resistance from the power tool industry highlights the tension between advancing safety technology and the fear of increased liability and costs for manufacturers.
Deep dives
Innovative Safety Technology
A groundbreaking safety technology called SawStop, invented by Steve Gass, significantly reduces the risk of finger injuries from table saws. The device detects any contact between a human body and the blade, causing the saw to stop within milliseconds, resulting in minimal injury. Testing demonstrations, such as the use of hot dogs to simulate a finger, have shown that the technology can effectively prevent severe accidents. To date, SawStop has likely saved over 10,000 fingers, highlighting its potential to transform safety standards in woodworking.
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