Chainsaws are potentially dangerous machines which can cause major injury if used by untrained people. Anyone who uses a chainsaw at work should have received adquate training and be competent in using a chainsaw for that type of work.
In forestry and arboriculture (between 2004/05 to 2010/11) chainsaws caused 5 deaths.
Many more injuries were caused by sawing and cutting tools:
HSE's investigations show that most fatal and major injuries involve chainsaw operators taking shortcuts and not following good practice guidance. Usually the reason is to save time!
These case studies show what happens when operators do not follow good practice guidance.
Chainsaws have the potential to cause horrific injuries. By law, chainsaw operators must have received adequate training relevant to the type of work they undertake.
They are also required to wear appropriate chainsaw protective clothing whenever they use a chainsaw.
The free leaflet Chainsaws at work contains everything employers and workers need to know about working safely with a chainsaw, including:
INDG 317
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