Safety warning for chainsaw users clearing storm damage
Figures from Teagasc show chainsaws or timber-related work account for up to 4% of farm fatalities and 6.5% of injuries.
The increased use of chainsaws to clear fallen trees and debris after recent storms may be leading to a spike in accidents, according to FRS Training. The organisation has raised concerns following reports of a rise in chainsaw-related injuries countrywide.
Figures from Teagasc show chainsaws or timber-related work account for up to 4% of farm fatalities and 6.5% of injuries, with many of these accidents occurring due to improper equipment maintenance, incorrect handling, lack of safety gear, and insufficient training.
Eugene Doyle, manager of FRS Training, emphasised the need for proper education on chainsaw use.
“There’s a perception that anyone can just pick up a chainsaw and start using it. However, I’ve seen first-hand how bad habits — like skipping safety checks or using the saw without PPE — lead to serious injuries,” he said.
He urged new and occasional chainsaw users to seek training before operating the equipment and to beware the key causes of accidents include:
A poorly serviced chainsaw poses a major risk. Issues like a dull or loose chain can cause kickback, while incorrect tensioning or lubrication increases the chance of malfunction. Regular checks, including sharpening the chain and inspecting for wear, are essential for safe operation.
Many inexperienced users make the mistake of placing their left thumb over the handle instead of wrapping it securely around it. This weak grip reduces control, increasing the risk of accidents.
The upper tip of the chainsaw bar — known as the “kickback zone”— is the most dangerous part of the saw. Contact with this area can cause the saw to jerk violently, often leading to severe injuries. Proper handling techniques are crucial to avoiding kickback.
Operating a chainsaw requires skill and knowledge, yet many people underestimate the risks. Without proper training, users are unaware of critical safety principles such as correct grip, stance, and cutting techniques. This lack of knowledge significantly increases the likelihood of injury.
Chainsaws generate high-speed debris and pose serious risks. Essential protective gear includes chainsaw-resistant trousers, gloves, safety boots, eye and ear protection, and a helmet with a face shield. However, many operators neglect to wear all necessary PPE, putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
The area around a chainsaw operator — known as the danger zone — should be kept clear to avoid injuries from flying debris or falling branches. Working alone further increases risk, as there may be no one available to provide immediate assistance in case of an accident.
