Accidents at work involving sliding table saws – prevention through HAND GUARD is an economic and social obligation

Minden, 06. November 2025 – Sliding table saws are indispensable for carpentry and joinery workshops: they stand for precision, productivity, and quality craftsmanship. At the same time, they are among the most dangerous machines in the workshop, as they can cause serious injuries in unpredictable situations or in the event of operating errors (BGHM 2023, DGUV 2022). 

In Germany alone, up to nine reportable accidents occur per working day involving table saws and sliding table saws (DGUV 2022, Table 52, p. 79). This corresponds to 2,280 cases in 2022. In 2021, the number was already at a similarly high level with 2,344 cases (DGUV 2021). Behind every number is an accident with often serious consequences for those affected and their companies. 

Injury mechanisms and causes 

The most common cause of injuries is direct hand contact with the saw blade, especially when cutting narrow workpieces (BGHM). Further hazards arise from kickbacks, in which workpieces are caught and thrown back, as well as operating errors due to missing or incorrectly adjusted protective devices (BGHM, DDS 2023). An evaluation of 326 accidents shows that 47 percent of cases involve moderate to severe injuries that can lead to permanent disabilities (BGHM 2023). Hands and fingers are particularly affected, especially the index finger and thumb. Most accidents occur in the morning between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., when production is at its peak (BGHM 2023). 

Economic dimension 

An accident involving a sliding table saw causes an average of €3,631 in direct costs (BGHM 2023). Extrapolated to nationwide figures in Germany, this results in annual damages of over €8.5 million – not including indirect costs due to production losses, replacement personnel, and damage to reputation (BGHM Annual Report 2023). The woodworking trade is particularly affected, with an accident rate of 60 accidents per 1,000 employees, almost twice as high as the BGHM average (32 accidents per 1,000 employees) (BGHM 2023). 

Legal responsibility 

The legal framework is clear: employers must take state-of-the-art technology into account. Safety assistance systems such as HAND GUARD are GS-certified and thus recognized as effective technical protective measures (DDS 2023). Investing in prevention not only protects employees, but also reduces liability risks and allows companies to benefit from bonus schemes offered by professional associations (DGUV 2024). 

The Altendorf Group – tradition and responsibility 

The history of the Altendorf Group goes back over a century. In 1906, Wilhelm Altendorf developed the “System Altendorf” sliding table saw, which continues to shape the industry to this day. 

With the vision “The Craftman’s best Friend – worldwide” and the mission “We make Craftsmanship safe, productive, and easy,” the Altendorf  Group is consistently continuing its pioneering role. HAND GUARD is more than just a product – it is a commitment to responsibility for people, machines, and businesses. 

Conclusion 

The facts speak for themselves: nine reportable accidents per working day on sliding table saws, costs of over 8.5 million euros annually, and a high risk of serious injuries (DGUV 2022, BGHM 2023). With HAND GUARD, the Altendorf Group provides a solution that combines precision, productivity, and prevention. This makes it clear that safety is not an add-on, but an economic and social necessity.