ashwell

In New Zealand we have a system of accident compensation, a government scheme funded by industry levies. Compensation is decided by a Commission and paid, sometimes as a lump sum and sometimes as an ongoing benefit to the injured person. Payment would be designed to cover medical costs and ongoing costs to the individual as a result of the accident. This system was designed to get rid of litigation - in other words you cannot sue in the event of an accident. In the Osorio case the employer would have to take responsibility for failing to have appropriate equipment, adequate training and effective supervision and would undoubtedly be fined heavily by the Accident Compensation Commission.

As a Ryobi saw owner I was fortunate enough to use a Sawstop saw on a recent woodworking machinery safety course and I was highly impressed by the technology and by the quality of the saw itself. It's undoubtedly a superior product, but we can't all afford superior products, and I still want to pursue my hobby, so I wouldn't want to see this technology forced on all saw makers.

Incidentally, on the saw I used, the Sawstop device could be switched off - I was told this allowed wet wood to be cut without activating the device. In the event that someone loses a finger because they have isolated this safety device does the Sawstop manufacturer get sued? Also, I recently heard of someone losing digits to a chop saw - can a Sawstop be fitted to these saws?

Rex Ashwell