The table saw and log splitter are responsible for almost half of the reimplantation cases at a Montreal hospital — injuries that could be prevented if DIY renovators paid more attention to their power tools, experts say.

Doctors who specialize in amputations at Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal recently analyzed statistics at their own institute. They found 71 per cent of victims had more than 10 years of experience handling tools.

Other findings included:

  • About 66 per cent of the amputations involved a finger.
  • 61 per cent of accidents occur in the home.
  • Often the worker had removed the tool's guard or safety measures.

CBC's Kim Brunhuber speaks to Rob Larman of War Amps Canada, amputation specialist Dr. Amanda Mayo of Sunnybrook St. John's Rehab in Toronto and plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick Harris of Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal for seven tips on how to prevent amputating a digit or limb.