Chainsaw injury

SSE shared alert

During planned vegetation management on a 33kV overhead line, a subcontracted operative sustained a chainsaw-related injury while pollarding Willow trees.

It is understood that the Injured Person (IP) was using the chainsaw at or above shoulder height — a known high-risk position. The chainsaw experienced a “kickback” (a sudden uncontrollable upward motion of the chainsaw) resulting in a deep cut to the collarbone area, between the neck and shoulder.

Chainsaw kickback can cause life-altering injuries and is the cause of a significant proportion of injuries.
Chainsaws must not be used at or above chest height (as per UK HSE INDG 317 advice).