We present two fatal chainsaw deaths; one with an older style saw, and the other with a modern type. In both cases the victims died from fatal injuries received to the neck region from a chainsaw kickback. The second case involved a 38-year old white male who was operating a newer model chainsaw equipped with a low kickback chain in an unsafe manner.
Especially if you are working with a chainsaw alone, it’s best to kit up in every type of chainsaw protection possible. Kent Online reports that Matthew Ovenden, 35, died from loss of blood while working with his chainsaw alone in Canterbury, UK. Online Athens reports that Anthony Mazerika, 78, died after an injury to the throat from a chainsaw kickback incident in Madison County, Iowa. Most towns will have a chainsaw shop that runs chainsaw classes.
Chainsaw Injury StatisticsThere is a wealth of impactful information available about chainsaw accidents in the U.S. In 2012, according to OSHA, 243 workers died while engaging in tree-trimming and clearing activities. For at least several decades – and in particular since the introduction of the top-handle chainsaw – it has become common practice to hold tree limbs, branches and other parts of trees with one hand while operating the chainsaw with the other hand. The true reason chainsaw manufacturers have positioned both handles of the top-handle chainsaw over the center of mass is so users can position both of their hands over that center, providing more ergonomic handling when the operator must hold and work with the saw away from the body.
how do chainsaw accidents happen Related Question:
How common are chainsaw accidents?
They can also quickly cause severe injury or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually. Medical costs for chainsaw injuries based on these facts amount to about 350 million dollars per year.
Where do most chainsaw injuries occur?
Approximately 40 percent of all chainsaw accidents occur to the legs and well over 35 percent occur to the left hand and wrist.
How does chainsaw kickback happen?
There are two circumstances that can cause kickback when using a chain saw. The first occurs when the moving chain at the tip or the nose of the guide bar strikes an object. The second situation is when the wood closes in, pinching the saw chain in the middle of the cut.
How can chainsaw accidents be prevented?
Sharpen the teeth and keep the chain lubricated and under proper tension for the best and safest cuts. Training, site preparation, safe work practices, and wearing the proper safety equipment can prevent chainsaw injuries and fatalities. You, the chainsaw operator, can control these factors before each and every cut.
What’s the safest chainsaw?
Enter the WORX JawSaw. It’s one of the safest chainsaws out there—the blade and chain retract until they’re fully enclosed in the guard, preventing any unfortunate accidents! It can cut or trim anything up to four inches in diameter, and the auto-tension feature ensures you have optimum tension at all times!
Can you drill holes in chainsaw bar?
Re: Drilling a Chainsaw Bar Drilling that bar may not be as difficult as you think. It will be best if you use a drill press, start with a pilot hole, and then drill to the size you need. Make sure you have a sharp bit, run at the lowest speed you can, and use cutting fluid.
Should you flip your chainsaw bar?
Every chainsaw bar has been designed to be mounted right-side up or upside down. The reason for this is that it allows the user to extend the life of his chainsaw bar by 50%. Flipping the bar will give the heavily-used areas some relief from wear and tear.
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Kickback is the most common and poses the greatest hazard. Kickback occurs when the rotating chain is stopped suddenly by contact with a more solid area throwing the saw rapidly backward toward the operator.
Should you run a chainsaw at full throttle?
Engine Protection Generally, two-stroke chainsaw engines are built to conveniently run at full throttle without an engine breakdown. Therefore, running at any throttle speed below the full throttle is not advised.
What are metal bucking spikes on a chainsaw?
Bumper Spikes: This series of sharp metal spikes protruding from the saw near the base of the bar provide leverage for easier, more controlled sawing. Jab the spikes into the log, then pivot the bar downward to guide the chain through the cut.
What chainsaw do professional loggers use?
Stihl is the most popular chainsaw for professional loggers. It has a long-lasting chain, and you can also enjoy the exceptional cutting speeds available with this brand of chainsaw. Additionally, the chains are high-performance, low vibration, and quiet in their performance.
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
Are Chinese chainsaws any good?
Inexpensive chainsaws made in China have drawn great interest in the past few years, including brands such as Blue Max, Zomax, and Showbull. It is easy to find these and other cheaply made chainsaws on various internet sites, but it’s typically not worth the risk of a bad-performing saw just to save a few dollars.
Why is there a hole in a chainsaw bar?
The hole is part of the manufacturing process when the bar is made at the factory. The milling and heat tempering machines anchor to it and the tail slot. Making a living with a saw since age 16.
Do chainsaws have a break in period?
Although Stihl chains are pre-stretched, running a new chainsaw through a short break-in period helps smooth any small imperfections and allows the chain to settle into the rivets properly, according to Stihl’s publication “Sharp Advice for Chainsaw Owners.”