March 2, 2026 — A serious incident involving a RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer has been reported, resulting in the amputation of three fingers for an operator.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On February 10, 2026, an individual operating a RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer sustained a severe injury. The operation of the hedge trimmer occurred without simultaneously depressing the trigger lock-out and the switch trigger. One of the operator’s hands was on the blade assembly when the hedge trimmer operated, resulting in the amputation of three fingers.
Safety Concerns
The incident involving the RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer raises several significant safety concerns for consumers:
- Bypass of Safety Features: The primary concern is the alleged ability of the hedge trimmer to operate without the simultaneous depression of the trigger lock-out and the switch trigger. If true, this indicates a potential failure or bypass of a critical safety mechanism designed to prevent accidental activation. A trigger lock-out is a fundamental safety feature in many power tools, requiring a deliberate two-step action to start the device, thereby significantly reducing the risk of unintentional activation.
- Immediate Dangers: The immediate danger is severe bodily injury, as evidenced by the three-finger amputation in this incident. Hedge trimmers feature sharp, rapidly moving blades capable of causing deep lacerations, severed digits, and other traumatic injuries. Any unexpected activation poses an extreme hazard, especially if an operator’s hands or other body parts are in proximity to the blades.
- Long-Term Risks: Injuries like amputations lead to permanent disability, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potentially multiple surgeries. Victims may experience chronic pain, loss of dexterity, psychological trauma, and a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks or work.
- Who Might Be Affected: Operators of this specific RYOBI RY40602 model, and potentially other similar power tools from the same manufacturer, could be at risk if a design flaw or manufacturing defect allows safety mechanisms to be circumvented. Even experienced users who rely on built-in safety features could be vulnerable if these features are compromised. New or infrequent users might be at even higher risk due to less familiarity with the tool’s operation and safety protocols.
- Property Damage Potential: While not the primary concern in this incident, an uncontrolled power tool could also cause damage to property if it activates unexpectedly and strikes objects, though personal injury is the overwhelming risk here.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer, or similar hedge trimmers, should take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps: If you own a RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer, immediately cease operation and thoroughly inspect the tool. Do not operate the hedge trimmer if you suspect any issue with the trigger lock-out or switch trigger mechanisms. Always unplug the power tool (or remove the battery for cordless models) when inspecting or performing maintenance.
- Check Your Product: Verify if you own the RYOBI RY40602 model. The model number is typically located on a label affixed to the tool’s housing.
- Prevention Measures:
- Always read the owner’s manual: Familiarize yourself with all safety instructions, operating procedures, and warnings.
- Verify Safety Features: Before each use, confirm that all safety features, including the trigger lock-out, are functioning correctly. The tool should *not* operate if only the main trigger is depressed without simultaneously engaging the lock-out.
- Keep Hands Clear: Always keep hands and other body parts well clear of the blade assembly, especially when starting the tool or when it’s connected to a power source.
- Maintain a Secure Grip: Use both hands to hold the hedge trimmer firmly according to manufacturer instructions.
- Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the power source (unplug or remove battery) before clearing jams, inspecting blades, performing maintenance, or when the tool is unattended.
- Wear Appropriate PPE: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident, or if your RYOBI RY40602 hedge trimmer (or any other power tool) operates unexpectedly or exhibits a safety mechanism failure, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC gather data and potentially initiate recalls or further investigations.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, One World Technologies, Inc., has provided a response to this incident report. The “Yes” in the incident report indicates they have acknowledged the incident, though specific details of their response are not publicly available.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.