A chainsaw in untrained hands is a lethal weapon.
Most injuries are deep gashes to the hands, knees, feet and head.
In logging operations, chainsaw injuries are as common to the head, shoulders and upper arms as to the hands, legs and feet. The first line of defence against injury is instruction and training, under the supervision of a trained and experienced person. The sharper the chain, the safer the job. A blunt chain requires more effort and increases fatigue, both of which can lead to kickback accidents. The major injury risk is from kick-back, the violent reaction triggered when the upper quadrant of the chain bar tip meets resistance.