Tree cutting accident

[WinterDeere]

I never would have guess so many people are injured with a saw each year.

I wonder how many are "first time" users or never had any training/experience?

I don't have hard data on this, but according to a few of the ER nurses I spoke with after driving my father in-law to the ER with an amputated finger, a disproportionately high number of these accidents are happening with retirees. They even went so far as to say that a lot of them were retired professionals of the tool that bit them, but no longer have the eyesight, muscle strength, speed or balance that had previously kept them safe in their profession.

Like everything, I'd guess there's a bathtub curve to the likelihood or frequency of injury, with any tool like a chainsaw. Highest among younger or less experienced, dropping through many years of practiced use, and then rising again with age. Also, note that the post you quoted implied "chainsaw-related" injuries, not only injuries from the saw itself. That might even include having a branch fall on you due to high winds, on any day you're out in the woods cutting.

 

[2manyrocks]

My Dad reached mandatory retirement age back in the 1970s when companies could still mandate retirement age. He loved his job and would have kept working, but that was not an option. He cleared out a fence row behind the house and stacked up the wood neatly in the yard. Never burned a stick of it. I think part of the whole thing was frustration and wanting to be productive at something. I don't think think he ever ran a chainsaw before or after that.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I recently had a 3 ft. oak dropped by tree cutters. I just wanted it on the ground. As soon as back cut opened the guy ducked behind a couple large Poplar trees. A huge limb from oak fell right where guy was standing. To me it was worth $400. I've been cutting it up for firewood.

 

[Torvy]

it is not just age that adds to the curve. Complacency also sets in. I know of a lot of experienced individuals who get lazy with safety because of their experience. Age just makes it worse.

I think part of the age problem is that our brains are calibrated to our younger selves ability. We make judgements that our bodies can no longer execute. I find myself deliberately slowing down and being more methodical to compensate.

 

[ArlyA]

I'd guess the most dangerous tools sold at hw stores is chainsaws. And to anyone who shows up with $200 gets one.

 

[NoTrespassing]

it is not just age that adds to the curve. Complacency also sets in. I know of a lot of experienced individuals who get lazy with safety because of their experience. Age just makes it worse.

I think part of the age problem is that our brains are calibrated to our younger selves ability. We make judgements that our bodies can no longer execute. I find myself deliberately slowing down and being more methodical to compensate.

Yep, I used to be able to jump off a tractor, now I make sure and step down. The last time I tried to bowl my knee buckled and I ended up on the ground. Like my neighbor says, "I don't have my cat like reflexes anymore"

 

[Torvy]

Yep, I used to be able to jump off a tractor, now I make sure and step down. The last time I tried to bowl my knee buckled and I ended up on the ground. Like my neighbor says, "I don't have my cat like reflexes anymore"

Dad was a competitive amateur bowler. Knees did him in, too. It really changed him, as bowling was both social and active time. He golfed longer, but golf season up north is maybe 6 months some years. Golf's social aspect is limited to maybe e buddies. Dad is a social creature (I didn't get his charm).

 

[Rockbadchild]

I'd guess the most dangerous tools sold at hw stores is chainsaws. And to anyone who shows up with $200 gets one.

I am sorry but I have to challenge this ... is there something wrong with that? same with table saw, circular saw, power nailers, wood chipper, lawn mower, snow blower and power drills... All dangerous, one of which send more people to the IR then the chainsaw ... you know which one ? power nailer is the answer... what are you suggesting mandatory training before purchase so a home owner can't execute any dangerous task without training ?? Let me point out you guys (USA) don't even do that with fire arms.