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Minzghor’s close call prompts chainsaw-safety warning

The following safety reminder is from D6 District Engineer Jason Minzghor:

Just wanted to share a message on chainsaw safety: During the recent Fourth of July holiday, I decided to help bring in some firewood to the Noxon cabin. I’d been around chainsaws all my life, starting with the old yellow McCullum thumb pump oiler chainsaw with no clutch break. I have done mostly firewood cutting, brush clearing, and occasional log decking for our 40-acre farm. Until that occasion, I’d had no safety incidences with the chainsaw.

On that day, I grabbed my professional 454 Stihl with a long bar, sharpened the chain, verified the tension of the chain, and checked the gas and oil. About 15 minutes into cutting firewood, the log started to pinch the chain, and the saw threw the chain as I began to remove the bar from the log. I thought nothing of it and I started to replace the chain when I looked down and saw the chaps. There was a fresh cut at the top of my thigh from the chain slapping a couple of inches below the waist of the chaps.

Please go through your chainsaw and check for all safety features on your saw. Please note the safety chain catcher on the bottom of the saw as shown in the picture above. Wear all safety gear: gloves, leather boots, eye protection, hearing protection, and chaps or other protective apparel.

This is another example that a routine event such as throwing a chain could cause injury. I can’t imagine a full-throttle chainsaw hitting my leg. This was the best $70 I have spent on chaps. Looks like I need a new pair. Remember SAFETY IS THE JOB!

Some of you will never pick up a chainsaw or use one extensively, but whether it's safety on the roads while sitting behind the wheel, or safety on the roadsides while working next to fast-moving traffic, this is a reminder to be vigilant, stay safe and look out for each other.

P.S. I shudder to think about the chain hitting me a couple of inches to the left. No one can mock me for wearing gear now — my entire family are believers in chainsaw safety.