Farm Safety Improves Through 'Incremental Gain', Says Birkett
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
The Stihl Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week returns this week in a bid to tackle New Zealand’s high accident statistics.
ACC claims for chainsaw accidents continue to rise: claims reported last year exceeded $2 million, on average six accidents per day.
Stihl marketing manager Stace Hall says it’s worrying that as chainsaw sales increase, accidents with the tools do too. “So keeping keeping people safe is why we continue… the Stihl Safety Awareness Week.”
The campaign kicked off last week at Myers Park in Auckland, where 40 women donned pink chaps to learn chainsaw safety tips with kiwi axeman and current Stihl Timbersports world champion Jason Wynyard.
Stihl shops are also hosting chainsaw training events for women. They include ladies’ nights and safety breakfasts for members of Dairy Women’s Network and local customers.
Qualified safety trainers will teach women about the simple safety techniques that can mean the difference between getting the job done and ending up in hospital.
“We believe that raising the issue first-hand with women who are often strong influences in the household is a good idea,” says Hall.
The company will support St John by donating some of the sales proceeds from its chainsaw safety packs, including the special pink women’s chaps.
Wynyard says chainsaw safety is like putting on a seatbelt when getting into a vehicle. “It should come naturally. You wouldn’t drive without wearing a seatbelt or go fishing without a lifejacket. Why would you use a chainsaw without safety gear?”
Stay safe this firewood season
World Timbersports champion Jason Wynyard offers these tips for safe chainsaw use.
1. Use the right safety gear
Even for a five minute job, your feet, legs, head, ears, eyes and hands need protection. Safety gear is widely available at power tool suppliers and hardware stores, so make a point of getting what you need.
Before starting any task that involves using a chainsaw, you should be wearing:
- Steel-capped boots (ordinary leather boots offer no protection)
- Chainsaw chaps or trousers
- Safety helmet
- At least grade four earmuffs (it only takes a minute for a chainsaw to damage your hearing)
- Safety glasses or a helmet visor
- Protective gloves, especially during maintenance.
2. Stop and think
Thinking about the task before you attempt it can help reduce injuries. Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment and a safe environment to do the job.
Here are some key things you need to remember:
- One chainsaw does not fit all jobs – what’s good for cutting firewood may not be suitable for cutting smaller pieces of timber
- Only use a chainsaw on the ground, and never above shoulder height
- Chainsaws are designed to cut wood – never use one to cut other materials
- Know your skill level – for example, never try to cut down trees, unless you’re a professional
- Stay alert – if you’re tired, stop and rest
- Get to know the manufacturer’s safety features.
3. Kickback
Kickback happens when the moving chain at the tip of the bar hits an obstruction or a softer piece of material. This causes the chainsaw to whip back at high speed towards you. To reduce kickback:
- Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands
- Always be aware of the location of the tip of the chainsaw – if possible, don’t let it touch anything
- Take care when cutting light material (e.g. twigs) that may catch in the chain
4. Sharpen up
Good maintenance reduces the risk of injuries. This is because a well maintained chainsaw is easier to use than one that hasn’t been kept in good condition.
- Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for correct depth gauge settings.
