The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a press release about the recall of over one million chainsaws by Harbor Freight Tools. According to the CPSC, these chainsaws are under recall due to a serious injury hazard. The chainsaws involved in the recall are Portland, One Stop Garden and Chicago Electric 14 inch electric chainsaws. Apparently, the power switch can malfunction and allow the chainsaw to continue running after the operator moves the switch to the “off” position. This poses a serious injury hazard to the user.
Defective Chainsaws Cause Laceration Injuries
So far, Harbor Freight Tools has received 15 reports of these chainsaws continuing to operate after being turned off by the user. There have been at least three laceration injuries. One of those injuries was a serious injury to the arm that required stitches. If you have been injured by a defective chainsaw, you need to let the CPSC and the chainsaw’s manufacturer know immediately.
Details of The Harbor Freight Chainsaw Recall
At this time, approximately 1,020,000 chainsaws are being impacted by this recall. They were sold under three different brand names and came in a green and black color scheme and a red and black color scheme. They were all sold with black blade guards. Model numbers can be found printed on a label on the bottom of the chainsaw. If you think you have one of these chainsaws, you can check the model number against the list on the CPSC’s press release. These chainsaws were originally sold at Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide and online between May 2009 and February 2018 for about $50.
Dealing With a Defective Product
If you have one of these defective and dangerous chainsaws, stop using it immediately. You can return the chainsaw to your local Harbor Freight Tools store for a free replacement chainsaw. According to the CPSC press release, replacement units will be available starting May 21, 2018.
Alexander Law Group, LLP attorneys area always ready to answer questions and share the results of our research and experience with the public. As safety lawyers, our goal is to make a difference for our clients and our community.
