Clay throwers are safe in the same way guns are safe. If you treat them properly with respect and common sense, they are completely safe to use. They can also hurt you if you’re careless. The arm of any thrower whips around very fast. Cock throwers from behind the arm, not in front. If possible, release the arm on an electric thrower if you have to work on it at all. Stay behind throwers, too. Clay pigeons come off the arm traveling up to 50 mph and you don’t want to get hit by one. Sometimes, too, clay pigeons break on the arm, and the shards are sharp enough to cut skin. Be sure to stand behind the thrower, not in front.