| Topic: Yet Another Chainsaw Kickback Fatality | |
| Date Issued: March 30, 2022 | Date Revised: |
A 20-year-old woodsworker was fatally injured while limbing a softwood tree with a chainsaw. His saw blade kicked back and the rotating chain struck him in the groin area, severing the femoral artery. The cut was just above the protective padding of his chainsaw pants. The young man died before reaching the hospital.
A 26-year-old woodcutter died as a result of injuries sustained while using a chainsaw to limb a tree. The victim was pulling the saw towards himself when the chainsaw kicked back, striking him in the upper thigh above the protective padding.
A 61-year-old woodsworker died while cutting two 4’’ diameter fir trees. He was resting on one knee using the pushing part of the bar when kickback occurred, striking him in the upper thigh just above the protective padding.
These incidents and more happened in New Brunswick forests in the last decade. In all three incidents, improper use of a chainsaw caused kickback to the unprotected upper thigh and groin area, resulting in fatal injuries.
A chainsaw is possibly the most dangerous tool used in the woods. But these tools can be operated safely. With proper maintenance, personal protective equipment, and correct technique, these tragedies can be prevented.
For more information specific to chainsaw safety requirements, refer to General Regulation 91-191.
Revised March 2022.
These pants offer increased protection.
Highlighted area shows protective padding.
These pants offer limited protection.
Highlighted area shows protective padding.