The definition of a serious injury is one that requires a person to be off work for more than three days, but stretches to the loss of limbs and even fatalities. A spokesperson for Tool-NET, the online power-tool retail specialists, commented that, “Many of these injuries could have been avoided. Fatigue often leads to careless mistakes, and using an unnecessarily heavy chainsaw leads directly to tiredness. Customers should choose and use their chainsaws carefully – and it is our hope that the simple advice we offer will help them to do this.”

Using a chainsaw safely begins with choosing a chainsaw carefully – you need the right tool for the job. For cutting the occasional overhanging tree branch, there is no need to use a heavy professional-quality saw, indeed a lighter, less powerful saw would be much safer, effective and suited to the job. However, if a large log is being cut into firewood, then a heavy, powerful saw will perform more effectively and reduce the risk of you straining to cut with a saw that lacks the requisite power.

The main factor that influences the power and weight of chainsaws is their power source – petrol or electric. Quite simply, petrol chainsaws tend to offer more power but can be much harder to handle because of their weight, whereas electric chainsaws are lighter but less powerful. Electric chainsaws are also simpler to maintain and much easier to start than petrol ones, but they obviously need a nearby power source to operate, and electric chainsaw users always need to be aware of the potential hazards that a trailing electric cord can cause.

Tool-NET also advised customers to never try to cut too large a log with a chainsaw that has an insufficient bar length. When deciding on the bar-length size that you need, the rule is simple enough to remember: a chainsaw can safely cut a log that is twice the size of its bar length. For instance, a chainsaw with a 14” bar can safely cut a 28” log.

Tool-NET’s advice is that choosing the right chainsaw for the job can reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring greatly – but there are other steps that can be taken to reduce further the risk of injury. The safety advice offered in the manufacturer’s manual should be carefully read before a chainsaw is used, and before starting the chainsaw you need to be aware of any people or animals around you. The chainsaw should always be held in two hands, and you should never try to overstretch to reach things when holding a saw. Your body must be positioned so that it is clear of the line you are cutting – this will help avoid injury from kickback, which is the most common cause of injury when using a chainsaw. Finally, the engine should only be accelerated while you are cutting with the chainsaw.

Tool-NET’s spokesperson concluded that, “Using a chainsaw carefully begins with choosing a chainsaw carefully. Our advice is to use the right tool for the job and always take a break if you are feeling tired.”