FACTS:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites the left hand and lower left leg as the most common places for chainsaw injuries. Employers can reduce the risk of these injuries by training their employees on proper chainsaw safety and operation, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

The four leading causes of trimming and clearing fatalities are struck-by incidents in which workers are hit by falling trees, limbs or motorized equipment; caught-in incidents, which often involve workers becoming caught in wood chippers; falls from elevations such as trees, lifts or ladders; and electrocution due to contact with overhead power lines.

CHAINSAW INJURY STATISTICS

• Most injuries from chainsaw use are due to “kickback”. Kickback occurs when the tip of the chainsaw hits a hard object such as a knot in the wood and kicks back towards the person operating it.
• 36% percent of chainsaw injuries affect the legs and knees.
• The average chainsaw injury requires 110 stitches according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Chaps or chainsaw pants as well as keeping both hands on the saw would reduce chainsaw injuries by 75 percent or more.
• Medical costs for chainsaw injuries amount to at least $350 million per year.
• Based on the assumption that four weeks of recovery are required, workers’ compensation costs can be estimated to be at least $125 million annually.
• Approximately 40 percent of all chainsaw accidents occur to the legs and well over 35 percent occur to the left hand and wrist.