What to do

[sawguy21]

A young fellow with his left hand amputated above the wrist came in this week to buy a saw. He wanted a wrap handle bent out far enough that he could shove the wool wrapped stump into with the saw jammed against his body. He demonstrated how he intended to hold it. I expressed my concern for his safety but he insisted he could and would do it. He did not buy because I would not discount the sale price.
I was relieved but would like opinions on how to handle it had he insisted

[Tom]

I sounds to me like a setup for some critical liability issues.   I think you did the right thing.   As a business you have to protect your interest even if the humanitarian issue is overwhelming.  

There must be some procedure a person could use to "help" the incapacitated.  It probably revolves around the prosthetics industry and that is where this individual should go to get a device that would be safe and work.  Perhaps you could look into the liabilities that industry has hanging over its head.  You might find that you could be part of it.  

I wouldn't accept the responsibility for someone using a dangerous tool that wasn't designed for them.  Even if they didn't hold me responsible for injury, I couldn't sleep at night if they got hurt.

[sawguy21]

Thanks Tom. He said he had a prosthesis that he would use if he had to but how would he grip the wrap handle? Would he be able to engage the brake in a kick back situation?
I know he needs his independence but feel he has to recognize his limitations. I'm with you, I still have to sleep at night

[rebocardo]

> A young fellow with his left hand amputated above the
> wrist came in this week to buy a saw

Maybe a saw already did it once, I could see that happening in a bad kickback and your hand going over the handle and brake.

It is the most dangerous job to have using two hands, never mind just one. I would have refused to do it too.

As a mechanic I have refused to do dangerous stuff and 1/2 baked jobs by people that wanted to cut corners or skirt common sense.

[Kevin]

There's no way you can modify a saw to sell, right off the bat it's contrary to provincial regulations and you would be liable in case of an accident.
MOL would be all over you not to mention the lawyers.

[palmerstreeservice]

As a full time police officer, I find myself answering legal questions everyday.  And the safest answer to any questions is....Ask your attorney because they are the ones who will represent you if something goes wrong. 

In my personal opinion, you have the right to refuse service to anyone.  This would include handicaped persons who admit there intent to use equipment in which you do not feel would be safe.  In this suit happy world that we live in you have to cover yourself.  I would rather have someone mad at me for not selling in which I would be able to justify my actions, than make a sale, have them get hurt, and then have to try to explain why I sold the item.  People are more understanding before and accident and quick to judge after one.

Kyle Palmer