Comments on: why do people not wear chainsaw safety gear?

By: WILL

WILL — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

Because they think that accidents only happen to “the other guy”, or they think that they’ll “jump out of the way” if the saw kicks back – like it takes longer than about 0.2 second for that to happen. I had a table saw kick back a 2×4 and it threw it 25 feet, knocked over a metal shelf unit, and smashed a hole in the drywall. If I’d been in front of it (instead of expecting my pal “Mr. Murphy” of Murphy’s Law to stop by), I’d be dead. Chainsaws, circular saws, routers and rotary tools all need serious respect.

By: donna d

donna d — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

i guess they don’t care if they are protected or not.just a guess.

By: Girlie Electrics

Girlie Electrics — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

It’s different in the UK. (& you’re on a UK site)!

Professionals do use safety gear. they can be prosecuted if they don’t. DIY-ers don’t know any better mind.

By: cdpaso

cdpaso — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

Just like not wearing a seat belt. They think nothing will happen and don’t want to be bothered with the uncomfortably of it and the time it takes to put on.

By: Dominick A

Dominick A — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

very easy. Because they never got hurt before.

By: pixieotr

pixieotr — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:05:21 +0000

OSHA requires professionals to wear protective gear, and if they get caught, they will wish they invested the $500.00 per employee that is costs for the kevlar boots, chaps and gloves.

I, as a professional tree service company owner, provide it and require ALL employees to wear it. first time caught without, gone, fired, no excuses. a hard hat and safety glasses are also provided.

I think that most do not wear it, because of the cost first, it is hot to wear, allows no air flow. Here in Az. I require all chainsaw operators to strip their gear every couple of hours to cool down, sooner if they need to.on extremely hot days. and last, the BIGGEST reason is they have never seen someone loose a hand, finger or other body part to a chain saw and the damage it does to the remaining flesh.
While we…[knock on wood] as a company have had only minor injuries, I have seen some really gruesome injuries that required amputation of a human limb because of the damage was too bad to repair.