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.
3 In both cases described by Koehler et al, 3 the victims died of fatal injuries received to the neck region from a chainsaw kickback. “… Koehler et al. reported two cases of accidental chainsaw deaths. In both cases victims died from neck injuries caused by the chainsaw kickback motion. The ”circular saw kickback injury” may occur if the tool is used incorrectly, and the cutting material is wedged against the saw blade and is thrown back in the direction of rotation of the blade which, in most cases, is toward the operator. Such injuries may come across as injuries produced by a knife‐like instrument, which is an added difficulty in the interpretation of such injuries.
how do most 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.
How do chainsaw accidents happen?
CHAINSAW ACCIDENTS It occurs when the tip of the guide bar and chain contact an object, forcing the guide bar violently backward and upward. Kickbacks can occur in less than one-tenth of a second, causing severe head, face, neck, shoulder, and hand injuries.
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 is the most common chainsaw injury?
More than 36 percent were injuries to the legs and knees. Approximately 40 percent of all chainsaw accidents occur to the legs and well over 35 percent occur to the left hand and wrist.
Why does chainsaw kickback occur?
As mentioned above, a dull chain can cause kickback, as the teeth will not be able to cut through the wood, which will cause the chain to get stuck and cause kickback. If the nose of the chainsaw bar strikes a log or a hidden branch you will be at risk of kickback.
What’s the safest chainsaw?
Chainsaws are useful when doing work on your home, but they can feel dangerous to use. It’s not too bad if you know what you’re doing, but it’s so easy to make one wrong move—and then it’s game over. Enter the WORX JawSaw.
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.
How many people have died from chainsaw accidents?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that more than 250 people die annually from chainsaw accidents in the U.S. Thousands more suffer serious injuries. Most chainsaw fatalities involve kickback, which happens when the upper tip of the chainsaw guide bar touches an object.
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.
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.
How long should chainsaw blade last?
The lifetime of a chainsaw chain has no fixed limit and depends on usage and maintenance. The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.
Where is the kickback zone of a chainsaw?
The term “kickback danger zone” refers to the top of the tip of the chainsaw bar. This area has a high kickback risk. You should never saw using this part of the chain saw bar, since doing so will significantly increase the chances that you will experience kickback.
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.
Who makes the most reliable chainsaw?
STIHL are still the number one selling chainsaw brand in the USA. The Stihl 271 Farm Boss is a great saw for the small farm owner, or if you have a larger section of land with mature trees, and you need a reliable saw that can handle big jobs on a regular basis.
Is Echo or STIHL better?
Conclusion. Echo and Stihl are both options. If you want a powerful and lightweight chainsaw, then an Echo model might be the right choice for you. Stihl makes more sense if you are after a well-built, durable, full of extra features, fuel-efficient chainsaw.