CHAIN SAW MAKERS CHOP AT GOVERNMENT RED TAPE

Disabling and sometimes fatal injuries caused by chain saws are relatively common. The state of Washington has surpassed 1,400 chain saw accidents each year in industrial applications alone, not counting accidents by private users. The 2 most important elements in reducing chain saw injuries are safer equipment and education. Many chain saw accidents could be prevented with a complete education program for all operators. The equipment, including personal protective gear and safety equipment on the saws themselves, is available to allow a substantial reduction in chain saw injuries. Competitive pricing is the only apparent reason for chain saw manufacturers not to include greater safety equipment with their products, even though a safety package would add only $20 to a $300-$400 saw. Marketing an inherently dangerous tool when the manufacturer could sell much safer saws is unacceptable corporate behavior.